Introduction to Geochronology

Geochronology is the field of science concerned with determining the ages of rocks and other stuff. In this book we attempt to outline the basic principles used for the quantification of geological time focusing on the radio-isotopic dating techniques. We are attempting to be inclusive about the methdologies and applications however there is a focuss on the mainstream chronometers and the application of these to the quantification of geologic time.

Preface: Historical Development of Geochronology

• Early Attempts at Quantifying Geologic Time
• Discovery of Radioactivty
• Development of Modern Mass Spectrometry

Part One - The Basics

• Superposition and cross-cutting relationships
• Units of Time
• Radioactive Decay
• Geochronometers - what can be dated?

Part Two - Radio-Isotopic Dating

• Introduction
• U-Pb Decay Scheme
• U-Series Disequilibria
• (U-Th)/He
• K-Ar Decay Scheme and 40Ar/39Ar
• Re-Os
• Rb-Sr
• Mass Spectrometry

Part Three - Uncertainties

• Definitions and Concepts
• Random and/or Systematic
• Combined Uncertainties

Part Four - Application

• Introduction
• Thermochronology
• Tectonic Applications
• Stratigraphic Applications
• Age of the Earth

About the book

• The Authors
• Acknowledgements