Contribution of the “Great Carbon Tracker” in the Dilution of Atmospheric Radiocarbon Emissions

Abstract

The general model of global carbon circulation (in particular 14C) have been known for half a century and includes both natural and anthropogenic sources and sinks. The main problem was the lack of information about rates of migration from one form to another. The authors made fitting of model data concerning both 12C and 14C dynamics in atmosphere and in sea water. The 70-times discrepancy between generation and decay rates for radiocarbon was explained. The main channel of 14C disappearance is not decay but dissolution in sea waters. By this reason, they deny the Suesse hypothesis because atmospheric carbon dioxide is diluted not by 14C-free substance (after burning of fossil fuels) but from the source of oceans. Multiple numeric experiments modeling 14C pulse or permanent input to the environment had demonstrated the exclusive stability of natural system. It obeys homeostatic principle and resists any attempts to shift steady state concentration. So, all speculations about extraordinary threat from technogenic 14C from nuclear industry do not have any scientific base.