Carbon Dating Gases: Is It Possible and What Can We Learn?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of carbon dating gases, exploring whether it is possible to date gases and what insights can be gained from such an approach. The scope includes theoretical considerations, potential methodologies, and the implications of isolating gases from atmospheric influences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether carbon dating can be applied to gases or if it is limited to solids.
  • Others suggest that the specific gas and the timeframe of interest are critical factors in determining the feasibility of carbon dating.
  • One participant mentions the ability to measure carbon isotopes in CO2 using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), referencing a paper that discusses this method.
  • Another participant refers to a different paper that employs optical spectroscopy techniques for measuring carbon isotopes.
  • It is proposed that if a gas has been completely isolated from atmospheric CO2 over time, the Carbon-14 content could be considered stable, with plants being noted as effective at locking in carbon isotopes.
  • There is a reiteration of the question regarding the possibility of carbon dating gases, indicating ongoing uncertainty about the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of carbon dating to gases, with no consensus reached on the matter. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific conditions under which carbon dating gases might be valid.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for clarification on which gases are being considered, the importance of isolation from atmospheric CO2, and the potential variability in carbon isotope measurements depending on the method used.

kevinmorais
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Can we Carbon Date a Gas or must it always be a solid?
 
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Maybe. Which gas and date since when, i.e. what event?
 
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kevinmorais said:
Can we Carbon Date a Gas or must it always be a solid?
As long as the gas has been totally isolated from the atmospheric CO2 over the millennia, the Carbon 14 content can be relied on not to have changed. Plants lock it in more reliably.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Maybe. Which gas and date since when, i.e. what event?
Thanks But My Question was Answered :)
 

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