The 210Pb and 137Cs profiles in sediment cores from Lakes Matagami and Quevillon, northwest Quebec, Canada

Abstract

210Pb and 137Cs activities were determined in sediment cores from Lakes Matagami and Quevillon, northwest Quebec, Canada. Following correction for the compressive effect of sedimenting materials, present-day sedimentation rates have been calculated from the excess 210Pb profiles. The rates are found to be 0.81 mm∙year−1 (59 mg∙cm−2 ∙year−1) and 0.52 mm∙year−1 (35 mg∙cm−2∙year−1) in Lake Matagami and Lake Quevillon, respectively. 137Cs measurements are in accord with these values.