Oyster shells were analyzed for carbon isotopes and examined to determine the information about the paleoenvironment and seasonality of the shellfish gathering. Carbon isotope data of this oyster sheell were comepared with paleotemperature data alread...
Oyster shells were analyzed for carbon isotopes and examined to determine the information about the paleoenvironment and seasonality of the shellfish gathering. Carbon isotope data of this oyster sheell were comepared with paleotemperature data already isotope data of this oyster shell is from one of the Bronze Age shell middens from Konam-ri in Anmyun-do. The δ13C values of the shell ranges from -4.3 to 1.3‰ vs PDB and changes according to the seasonality, showing quite good correlation with the δ18C values of the sheell. The part of the shell. The part shell grown in summer with high water temperature is enriched in 12C whereas those grown in winter(at low temperature) are showing the higher δ13C values than those grown in summer.
12C-enriched carbonate precipitation during summer is due to the introduction of 12C-enriched DIC(dissolve inorganic carbon) of the terrestrial origin through the rivers. During winter the amount of terrestrial DIC was minimized and the shell wa precipitated showing typical δ13C values of marine carbonate .Cabon isotopes of the oyster shell can provide information related to archaeological seasonality studies, the source of carbon, and other environmental conditions.