Advanced Geochronology

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, Data visualization and statistics in IsoplotR, Principles of U-Pb geochronology 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 etc.) 7. K-Ar and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology , Principles and Applications 8. Fission Track dating 9. U-Th/He dating 10. Thermochronology applications/lab visit 11. Noble gases - basics, reservoirs, geo/cosmochem. applications: mainly chronology 12. Cosmogenic nuclides (stable and radionuclides) - basics, geo/cosmochem. applications, C14

Resources