Modul C
Organic geochemistry, biomarkers, 14C dating of single compounds
The regularly varved sediment core will allow to perform high-resolution organic geochemical investigations that include paleotemperature measurements, phytoplankton community determinations, identification of redox conditions and disentangling of autochthone vs. allochthone contributions. Additionally, the 14C ages of single organic compounds will be determined after separation from the total organic extract. Such analysis have never been performed before on lacustrine sediments. Lake Van, with its exceptional sediment material, will allow age determination by both, 14C and varve-counting, providing an ideal tool for comparison and calibration. We will reveal different preservation patterns, different origins of the organic material, and determine the composition that leads to the bulk 14C age of the sediment.