Geochronology and Thermochronology

This course covers the basic principles of a variety of geochronometers; Ar-Ar, Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Pb (conventional Pb-Pb, U-Pb, SHRIMP, LA-ICPMS, CHIME), Lu-Hf and Re-Os, as well as fission track and (U-Th)/He thermochronology. The application of these chronometers to a variety of geological problems will be presented. Afternoon sessions will be devoted to practical exercises (calculating ages, meaning of errors, plotting data e.g. isochrons, U-Pb plots, histograms, using the laser ablation data reduction software iolite, and modelling thermal histories). By the end of the week, it is expected students will have an understanding of which method to choose for a given geological context, and the costs associated.

Students require a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, and will need to bring a laptop they can install software on."