Recent history of sediment dynamics in Lake Toro and applicability of 210Pb dating in a highly disturbed catchment in northern Japan

Sediment dynamics for the last 300 years in Lake Toro and the applicability of 210Pb dating (CIC and CRS models) are evaluated. The lake sedimentation and sediment yield were determined by 137Cs (in 1963) and two tephra layers (Ko-c2 in 1694 and Ta-a in 1739). The average sediment yields for initial development periods of catchments were 13.0–14.1 t km− 2 yr− 1 until 1963 and increased to 30.5 t km− 2 yr− 1 after 1963 because of the conversion of floodplain and upland forests to cultivated lands. In particular, the western zone of the lake near the conjunction with the Kushiro River had a high sedimentation rate, which is attributable to sediment inflow back from the Kushiro River during floods. The CIC model was not applicable because of fluctuations in the 210Pb profiles since 1963. The CRS model agrees with the 137Cs dating in all sites except for one site close to the Kushiro River inflow. 210Pb dating may contain considerable errors where the 210Pb concentration profile and flux are perturbed by floodwater from the Kushiro River, which contains low levels of 210Pb.