The distribution of Delta C-14 in Korea from 2010 to 2013

Abstract

Delta C-14 values of leaves of a deciduous tree record to those of atmospheric CO2 within error and were used to map out Delta C-14 distribution in Korea. We collected ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba Linnaeus, a deciduous tree) leaf samples in mid-June to early July from 2009 to 2013 in Korea to obtain the regional distribution of Delta C-14. Commonly CO2 emitted from fossil fuel consumption dilutes atmospheric Delta C-14, while operations and accidents at nuclear power plants can increase it. The distribution maps of Delta C-14 from 2010 to 2013 in Korea shows that Delta C-14 values in the northwestern and southeastern parts of Korea are lower than those of the other parts of Korea, which is consistent with the population and industry patterns. Decrease rates of annually averaged Delta C-14 values in Korea over the study period are larger than those of Pt. Barrow, Alaska, USA (71.3 degrees N, 156.5 degrees W), so the difference between them and those of Pt. Barrow, Alaska, USA became larger annually. This may be due to the increase in fossil fuel consumption in Korea and China. The decrease rate between 2010 and 2011 was smaller than in other years. This could be the effect of the Fukushima power plant accident which occurred in March 11, 2011, but further study is needed to clarify it. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.