Radiometric dating of the United Kingdom SWAP sites

Abstract
Measurements of $^{210}$Pb by direct gamma assay have been used to date sediment cores from Surface Water Acidification Project (SWAP) study sites in the U.K. The results were checked against additional dating evidence from the artificial fallout isotopes $^{137}$Cs and $^{241}$Am. At one of the sites, Devoke Water in Cumbria, the $^{137}$Cs and $^{241}$Am data were crucial in identifying a recent sediment hiatus. At sites with recently afforested catchments the sediment record indicated substantial increases in accumulation rates.