An archeological question for the list(s).  Can anyone tell me if there is a
confirmed yes or no on the effect of the use of graphite in military field
testing where there is a potential to alter radiocarbon dates of material
recovered from archeological sites?  Some military installations have been
approached to provide training scenarios wherein the obscurants (smoke or
'smokescreen' to the non-military folks among us) used to mask ground troop
movements will contain graphite flakes to add an electromagnetic component
designed to cover infrared signatures (thanks Dusty).  I initially felt that
a large part of the answer might be contingent on the soils and the surface
or near surface exposure of archeological sites (beneath clays, differential
rains, eroded surfaces, etc.).  I have suggested to the environmental firm
conducting the environmental assessment that they contact some of the
companies like Beta Analytic for an opinion.  Any other thoughts or
suggestions?


Stephen P. Austin