Luminescence variations in fast-growing stalagmites from Uppsala, Sweeden

HS Sundqvist, Andrew Baker, K Holmgren

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

11 Citations (Scopus)

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.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)539-548
Number of pages10
JournalGeografiska Annaler Series A Physical Geography
Volume87A
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2005

Keywords

  • stalagmites
  • luminescence
  • Sweden

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