On 4.07.2020 we made the following observations at Unteraargletscher, among others:
In front of the Unteraar glacier Daniela found two pieces of wood that day. Both pieces of wood (
Wood findings) were lying in a part of the glacier forefield, which was covered by ice until about 2018.
Daniela examines and packs the first wooden find.
Wood find 1
Wood find 1 from 4.7.2020 in front of the Unteraar glacier
Detail of wood find 1 from 4.7.2020 in front of Unteraargletscher.
The piece of wood has a size of about 10 x 6 x 6cm.
The radiocarbon age is 2465 +/- 23 years before present.
Wood find 2
Wood find 2 from 4.7.2020 in front of the Unteraar glacier.
Detail of wood find 2 from 4.7.2020 in front of Unteraar glacier.
The piece of wood has a length of about 15cm.
The radiocarbon age is 2465 +/- 23 years before present.
Radiocarbon dating was performed at the University of Bern.
A radiocarbon age of 2465 years means that the tree grew about 500 years before Christ. This means that the tree grew during the Iron Age in the Unteraar region.
It is a special feeling to find such an old piece of wood and hold it in your hands.