Dating raised bogs:New aspects of AMS C-14 wiggle matching, a reservoir effect and climatic change

High resolution AMS dating of Holocene raised bog deposits (Engbertsdijksvenen, The Netherlands) shows natural C-14 variations (wiggles) which can be matched with the dendrochronological calibration curve. Comparison of our results with other, conventionally dated peat cores and the Delta(14)C record shows an unexpected and as yet unreported reservoir effect, and a marked and sudden wetting of the bog surfaces coinciding with the advent of a Sporer-type solar minimum (the Homeric minimum). The potential of AMS dating to vastly improve the accuracy of Holocene chronologies is demonstrated.