Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Radiocarbon Laboratory: Sample Treatment and Gas Preparation

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present the methodology used for sample preparation at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Radiocarbon Laboratory. The WHOI lab is dedicated to oceanographic research supported by the National Science Foundation (OCE81-11954). We began operation in March 1982. The methods used for the production of samples are based on those developed previously (Barker, 1953; Suess, 1954; Noakes, Kim, & Stipp, 1969; Linick, 1975). Subsequent changes and refinements to these methods are described. This paper will present detailed descriptions of how various samples are collected and sectioned, then converted to CO₂ and to C₂H₂, the primary counting gas for most of our samples.