Luminescence Variations in Fast-Growing Stalagmites from Uppsala, Sweden

Authors: Sundqvist, Hanna Sofia; Baker, Andy; Holmgren, Karin

Source: Geografiska Annaler: Series A, Physical Geography, Volume 87, Number 4, December 2005 , pp. 539-548(10)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $48.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Two fast-growing stalagmites from a cellar vault in Uppsala, southeast Sweden, are analysed for their luminescent properties. The results indicate that variations in luminescence intensity in the stalagmites are annual. Due to problems in finding a suitable absolute dating method this assumption cannot yet be firmly tested; however, results from radiocarbon dating of one of the stalagmites do not contradict the proposal that the laminae are annual. If so, the speleothems have been growing for 10–15 years with a growth rate of 3–8 mm per year, which is a similar rate to other fast-growing speleothems in Great Britain that have formed from the reaction of lime mortar and carbon dioxide. It is likely that the assumed annual laminae of the luminescence record represent a flush of organic material.

Keywords: stalagmites; luminescence; Sweden

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.0435-3676.2005.00277.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden

Publication date: 2005-12-01