Radiocarbon in Ecology and Earth System Science
The course introduces participants to radiocarbon (origin, measurement techniques, and nomenclature) and the use of radiocarbon in atmospheric, marine, terrestrial, and paleo-climate research. We cover typical (e.g. macro-fossils) and more challenging types of samples (bulk soil, DOC, compound groups) ranging in size from 1 mg to a few ug C. The material is taught using lectures, research talks as well as laboratory and data analysis tutorials. The course is suitable for anyone already working with or planning to working with radiocarbon in their research.
Logistics
Time: The course was held from Aug 11-16, 2019 in Irvine, CA.
Please find the detailed schedule here: 2019 Radiocarbon Short Course Schedule
When to arrive: The course will begin on Sunday Aug 11 at 5 pm. Please bring a poster showcasing your current research (re-use one from a recent conference or make a new one).
What to bring: Notebook, pens, computer with current version of RStudio (and R), and your poster.
Please wear lab-appropriate attire Monday-Thursday (i.e. be able to tie back your long hair, do not wear shoes in which cryo-liquids can get trapped; we’ll supply lab coats/googles/gloves etc.).
Location: Earth System Science & W.M. Keck Carbon Cycle Accelerator Mass Spectrometer Facility, Croul Hall, University of California, Irvine, USA.
Participants are responsible for organizing their own travel and for their travel expenses. The nearest airport is Orange County (SNA). The nearest international airport is Los Angeles (LAX). Public transport options are very limited. There are shuttle services available to/from LAX airport (e.g. supershuttle.com). For local rides you can use taxis (e.g. www.yellowcab.com) or ride sharing services (e.g. uber/lyft).
Lodging: Participants are responsible for making their own lodging arrangements and for their lodging expenses.
We recommend that you stay at the Atrium Hotel (18700 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine, CA 92612; phone: 949-833-2770, $114/night + tax). When booking the hotel, please ask for the UCI rate. The hotel has a complimentary shuttle to and from UCI and SNA airport.
Course fee: There is a fee of $500 per participant. Please make your payment prior to the beginning of the course here.
Course Materials
We will post lectures and other course materials here.
Protocols for common laboratory procedures can be found here: https://sites.uci.edu/keckams/protocols/.
Course Participants
A list of the 2019 participants (students and instructors) can be found here.
In Memoriam
Erv Taylor (-2019), Radiocarbon-Champion
Scientist, Teacher, Colleague & Friend
Instructor of the Radiocarbon Short Course
Prof. emeritus University of California, Riverside, Department of Anthropology
Ph.D. 1970, Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles