Tree-Ring Dating and Radiocarbon Calibration in South-Central Europe

Abstract

Radiocarbon variations between 3900 and 2800 BC have been established in La Jolla and Groningen using oak tree rings from a 2350-year floating oak series. Comparison of these variations with the bristlecone pine 14C variations provides precise ages for tree-ring dates of Neolithic settlements of Switzerland and Germany over a period of 1400 years. 14C variations measured in Heidelberg in absolutely dated oakring series from AD 250 to 720 show trends similar to those of long-term growth variation of oaks during the same period of time. The influence of the climatic regime on oak growth of this period is discussed.