SUBJECT
Isotope geochronology
lecture
master
2
Semester 3
Autumn semester
The course provides a summary on various geochronological tools. The students will learn the theoretical background of these methods, the methodology of the analyses and they gain knowledge on the current developments in high-resolution geochronological techniques. Applicability and limitations of the different methods with the help of case histories will be also shown.
The course starts with a brief introduction to radiogenic isotope geochemistry, summarizing the main features of various isotope systems. It is followed by the experimental techniques used during analyses, from the separation methods, through the analytical measurements by different kinds of mass spectrometry to the data processing. The lectures will consider the various decay systems (applications, special aspects, limitations) separately. The K-A-Ca system (K-Ar and 40Ar-39Ar dating) will be followed by the Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Lu-Hf, Re-Os and the U-Th-Pb systems. The U-decay series dating differs in a fundamental way from the conventional techniques. The applicability of this method will be shown by several case studies. Finally, application of cosmogenic nuclides in geochronology will be discussed, such as 14C dating, and briefly the use of 10Be, 26Al and 36Cl in geochronology. Practicals will include numerical calculation exercises relating to age determination in various isotope systems.
- Downloadable course materails (http://petrology.geology.elte.hu/)
- Dickin, A.P. (1995): Radiogenic isotope geology, Cambridge University Press, 490 pp.
- Faure, G. (1986): Principles of isotope geology, Wiley & Sons, New York, 589 pp.
- Selected publications