Stable carbon isotope ratios in lake and swamp sediments as a proxy for prehistoric forest clearance and crop cultivation in the Neotropics

TitleStable carbon isotope ratios in lake and swamp sediments as a proxy for prehistoric forest clearance and crop cultivation in the Neotropics
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2004
AuthorsLane C.S, Horn S.P, Mora C.I
JournalJournal of Paleolimnology
Volume32
Issue4
Pagination375-381
Date PublishedNov
ISSN0921-2728
Accession NumberWOS:000225904400005
Abstract

Close correspondence between stable carbon isotope ratios (delta(13)C), pollen, and charcoal profiles in sediment cores from Laguna Zoncho and Machita swamp, Costa Rica, shows that prehistoric forest clearance and crop cultivation can be detected in the stable carbon isotope ratios of total organic carbon (delta(13)C(TOC)). Analyses of delta(13)C(TOC) complement evidence from pollen, charcoal, and phytoliths and provide a proxy that is sensitive to the intensity and/or proximity to core sites of prehistoric forest clearance and agriculture in watersheds. Stable carbon isotope analyses are particularly useful in situations in which other evidence of forest clearance and agriculture is limited.

DOI10.1007/s10933-004-0259-x