The Use of Carbon-14 and Tritium For Peat and Water Dynamics Characterization: Case of Čepkeliai Peatland, Southeastern Lithuania

The present investigation conducted in Čepkeliai peatland (south-eastern Lithuania) deals with two radioisotope methods - carbon-14 (¹⁴C) and tritium (³H). ¹⁴C was applied to peatland chronology and sedimentation rate estimation and ³H to peat water dynamics characterization. According to ¹⁴C data, peatland development began since 12650-11350 years cal BP and peat accumulation since 10550-9700 years cal BP with peat accumulation rate of 0.27-0.79 mm/year in the central part of the peatland. The peat water mean residence time and basic groundwater flow was estimated to be respectively about 27±6 years and 62±15 mm based on ³H data. The obtained data showed relatively undisturbed natural condition of Čepkeliai peatland in the studied sites.