OLDEST HUMAN EVER FOUND IN THE AMERICAS UNCOVERED

[michaelruggeri]

Mike,
I was hoping some 'expert' would answer your question and if they do I will defer to their opinion since I don't claim any expertise in 14C dating.

I have heard through the grapevine that the dating was done at Oxford and that only one of the samples gave that old date of 13,600 years which has been published. Not even sure if that is calendar years or rcybp. I do know that CSFA has requested a sample for dating "the proper way".

In any case 14C is formed in the upper atmosphere by the action of sunlight on Nitrogen. The resulting C atom combines with O to form CO2 which disperses through the atmosphere. Now sea water does absorb some CO2 but the concentration of 14C is less than the atmosphere and that concentration decreases with water depth.

Thus if the bones have absorbed sea water it seems to me that the concentration of 14C would be reduced which would make the bones appear older when 14C concentration is analysed.

Just my unexpert opinion,
Allan Shumaker

BTW, INAH is planning to excavate the 4th skeleton this month. That is believed to be the oldest and it does contain some teeth which should give more accurate dating than bone.

[Minimalist]

I appreciate the effort.