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651-4229-00L 3 Credits MSC D-ERDW

Advanced Geochronology

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Marcel Guillong, Dr. Maria Giuditta Fellin, Prof. Dr. Henner Busemann, Dr. Dawid Szymanowski
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:45

Abstract

This lecture gives an overview of methods and applications of geochronology across a wide range of Earth Science disciplines. Several in their field specialized lecturers cover the principles and methods and will give insight into recent applications and research projects.

Objective

The purpose of this lecture is to provide a comprehensive overview of: a) the different radiometric methods in Geology, the different dating tasks and the constraints put by the complexity of natural systems, including dating by cosmogenic nuclides, b) the various analytical tools available today for radiometric dating, their advantages and disadvantages, c) the use of noble gases in Geochemistry and d) detailed description of case studies, as examples of approach of a number of geological problems and interpretation of the data. At the end students know the different isotope systems, methods and their application. Understand literature and critical reading and interpretation of published data is possible. For simple geochronological questions they can describe a scientific approach and possible solution. They can plot and interprete data using IsoplotR for different applications.

Content

1. Introduction and overview, age equation and Isochrone, Data visualization and statistics in IsoplotR, 2. In situ U-Pb geochronology 1 (LA-ICPMS/SIMS principles, zircon) 3. In situ U-Pb geochronology 2 (calcite, garnet, other minerals) 4. High-precision ID-TIMS U-Pb geochronology (principles and applications) 5. High-precision U-series geochronology (carbonates, silicates) 6. In situ U-series geochronology (zircon, garnet, Illmenite etc.) 7. Fission Track dating 8. U-Th/He dating, Thermochronology applications 9. K-Ar and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology , Principles and Applications 10. Noble gases - basics, reservoirs, geo/cosmochem. applications: mainly chronology 11. Cosmogenic nuclides (stable and radionuclides) - basics, geo/cosmochem applications, C14. 12. Paper presentations by students.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Power point presentations available in Moodle

Literature

Geochronology and Thermochronology Author(s):Peter W. ReinersRichard W. CarlsonPaul R. RenneKari M. CooperDarryl E. GrangerNoah M. McLeanBlair Schoene First published:8 January 2018 Online ISBN:9781118455876 |DOI:10.1002/9781118455876 - Faure, G. and Mensing, T. (2005): Isotopes. Principles and applications. 3rd ed. John Wiley and Sons. - Dickin, A. (2005): Radiogenic Isotope Geology. 2nd ed. Cambridge University press.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
The graded semester performance consists of 2parts:1. Exercises4 Exercises will be handed out during the lectures all will be graded and the best three count 50% of the final grade. The workload expected for one task is in the range of 1-2 hours and needs to be handed in 2 weeks after distribution via moodle.During the final two lectures a short presentation (10 minutes) summarizing a geochronology paper, needs to be given, followed by Q&A (~5min) resulting in the other 50% of the grade.The presentation should contain a short overview on the methods used to get the geochronological data, and focus on the quality and reliability of the data, how the ages /numbers were derived.5 points will be graded:1. Structure and logic of the presentation2. Understanding of Data / Paper3. Critical approach/ assessment/ thinking4. Presentation style / slides5. Educational, understandable presentation.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Advanced Geochronology No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In