Changes of 14C Concentration in Modern Trees from Upper Silesia Region, Poland

Abstract

Radiocarbon concentration measurements in tree rings from Upper Silesia indicate significantly lower 14C concentration as compared to the concentrations occurring in “clean air” areas. This phenomenon is known as the Suess effect and is caused by contamination with inactive carbon that originates from fossil fuels combustion. This effect is observed in large urban and industrial areas. Samples for the measurements presented in the paper were collected in some of the largest cities in Upper Silesia: Gliwice, Ruda Śląska, and Chorzów. The samples were annual tree rings (Populus nigra, Pinus silvestris) covering years 1965–1992 and the atmospheric CO2 collected weekly between December 1994 and December 1995.