US Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS) sediment samples

This data set contains concentrations of naturally-occurring
radionuclides (U-238, U-234, Th-230, Th-232, Pa-231 and Be-10) in
marine sediments. Concentrations of U-series nuclides were measured
by isotope dilution inductively-coupled mass spectrometry.
Concentrations of Be-10 were measured by accelerator mass
spectrometry. The data set also contains sediment lithology (%
biogenic opal, determined by colorimetric spectrophotometry; % calcium
carbonate, determined by coulometry; % organic carbon, determined by
high-temperature combustion; and % lithogenic material, estimated by
difference and independently from the concentration of Th-232, an
element contained entirely in lithogenic phases). Radiocarbon dates,
obtained by accelerator mass spectropmetry, used to constrain the
chronologies of the cores are included as well.

Sediment cores were collected as part of the US Joint Global Ocean
Flux Study (JGOFS) Antarctic Environment and Southern Ocean Process
Study (AESOPS). Cores were collected along 170 degrees West, between
approximately 54 degrees S and 66 degrees S, during a cruise aboard
the RVIB Nathaniel B Palmer in February-April, 1998 (NBP9802). The
study was designed to compare biological productivity of the region
during the Last Glacial Maximum with conditions that exist today.