UK Saltmarsh Soil Radioisotope Concentrations 2018-2021

1358 soil samples from 19 UK saltmarshes detail radioisotope concentrations (210Pb, 214Pb, 137Cs, 241Am). The data was collected between 2018 and 2021 under the NERC Carbon Storage in Intertidal Environments (C-SIDE) programme.

Use Cases

• Analyze 210Pb and 137Cs concentration profiles across 19 saltmarshes to estimate sediment accumulation rates.
• Model relationships between 241Am and 210Pb activities to study radionuclide deposition and transport in intertidal soils.
• Assess spatial distribution of 214Pb concentrations to understand natural radioactive decay series variability in coastal environments.
• Use 137Cs as a chronological marker alongside other radioisotopes to date sediment layers from 1358 core samples.

Strengths

• Contains 1358 down-core soil samples for detailed vertical profile analysis.
• Covers 19 distinct saltmarsh sites across the UK, providing spatial breadth.
• Measures four specific radioisotopes (210Pb, 214Pb, 137Cs, 241Am) relevant for environmental dating and tracing.

Limitations

• Column structure and additional sample metadata (e.g., depth, exact location) are unknown from the provided input.
• Sample size per individual marsh site is not specified, potentially limiting site-specific statistical power.

Provenance

Source

Environmental Information Data Centre, under NERC grant NE/R010846/1.

Collection Method

Soil samples collected down-core from saltmarshes, with laboratory analysis for radioisotope concentrations.

Time Range

2018 to 2021

Freshness

Data covers collection up to 2021, with a record last updated in 2026.

Geography

19 saltmarshes across the United Kingdom, including Scotland and Wales.