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Advanced geochronology
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:14:44
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.
Content
The content of this lecture is summarised as follows: Anthi Liati Summary of basic concepts in geochronology - Short repetition of common dating methods (K-Ar, Ar-Ar, Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Pb) - Mass spectrometry (basic concepts) Further topics: - Fission track dating (two hours lecture and laboratory visit: by Diane Seward). - Analytical tools and applications to radiogenic isotopes (basics about TIMS, ICPMS, MC-ICPMS, LA-ICPMS; details on SHRIMP) - Assumptions for dating - Open system vs. closed system - K-Ar, Ar-Ar dating method - applications - Ion microprobes - U-Pb SHRIMP dating (zircon, sphene, rutile, monazite) - Dating metamorphic rocks - Combined geochronology and petrology – subduction and exhumation rates - Combined geochronology and trace/REE geochemistry of zircon - Applications: 1)Reconstruction of the geodynamic evolution of mountain belts: Two case studies: Alps, Rhodope 2)Tracing the timing of mantle and crustal events via zircon-dating in mantle xenoliths: Two case studies: South Namibia, Kilbourne Hole (New Mexico) Rainer Wieler - Noble gas geo- and cosmochemistry - Surface exposure dating with cosmogenic nuclides - carbon-14 dating and U-Th-He thermochronology - Visit of the radiogenic and noble gas isotope laboratories of IGMR Albrecht von Quadt - Analytical tools, more details about Mass spectrometer, TIMS, MC-ICPMS, Laser-ICPMS - Dating magmatic rocks and dating ore deposits (porphyry, epithermal Cu-Au-(Mo) deposits) - U-Pb TIMS, Lu-Hf, Re-Os; tracing Hf Isotopes - Applications; Geochronology of SE Europe - Visit of the laboratories of IGMR
Resources
Lecture Notes
Script (for part of the lecture), partly power point presentations (in the web) and partly copies of power point transparencies.
Literature
- 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
- session examination
- Mode
- written 60 minutes
- Aids
- None
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Advanced geochronology |
|
2 h weekly |