This project supports the USGS argon geochronology laboratory in Denver. The USGS 40Ar/39Ar geochronology laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility for determining absolute ages of minerals and rocks. The 40Ar/39Ar laboratory contributes critical geochronology to individual USGS research projects and to partners in academia and other Federal agencies. This laboratory develops methodology for small and difficult sample analysis often at the limits of existing mass spectrometer technology.
Science Issue and Relevance
The 40Ar/39Ar Method: 40Ar/39Ar geochronology is an experimentally robust and versatile method for constraining the age and thermal history of rocks. Such information is extremely valuable for understanding a variety of geological processes including the formation of ore deposits, mountain building and history of volcanic events, paleo-seismic events, and paleo-climate. The 40Ar/39Ar isotopic dating method has evolved into the most commonly applied geochronological method, and can be applied to many geological problems that require precise and accurate time and temperature control.
Methodology to Address Issue
This project provides partial support for the USGS argon geochronology laboratory in Denver. The USGS 40Ar/39Ar geochronology laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility for determining absolute ages of minerals and rocks. The 40Ar/39Ar laboratory contributes critical geochronology to individual USGS research projects and to partners in academia and other Federal agencies. This facility houses necessary equipment for sample preparation and analysis, including high-sensitivity noble gas mass spectrometers and ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) lasers. The versatility of the 40Ar/39Ar method permits determining the timing of processes and events such as igneous intrusions and extrusions, ore mineralization and hydrothermal fluid circulation, metamorphic cooling and exhumation, mineral formation and recrystallization, and shallow crustal faulting. Scientists are dependent on the geochronologist for data and interpretations to determine these parameters. This laboratory develops methodology for small and difficult sample analysis often at the limits of existing mass spectrometer technology.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data releases associated with this project. Visit USGS Geochron - a database of geochronologic and thermochronologic dates and data.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Thermochronology and tectonics of the Leeward Antilles: Evolution of the southern Caribbean Plate boundary zone
The timing of eclogite facies metamorphism and migmatization in the Orlica–Śnieżnik complex, Bohemian Massif: Constraints from a multimethod geochronological study
A preliminary study of older hot spring alteration in Sevenmile Hole, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone Caldera, Wyoming
Differential unroofing within the central metasedimentary Belt of the Grenville Orogen: constraints from 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology
Laurel-McGee and Wheeler Ridge Roadless Areas, California
Geochemical analyses of rock, stream-sediment, and nonmagnetic heavy-mineral concentrate samples, Laurel-McGee and Wheeler Ridge Roadless Areas, Inyo and Mono counties, California
In addition to the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program and the Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, below are partners associated with this project.
This project supports the USGS argon geochronology laboratory in Denver. The USGS 40Ar/39Ar geochronology laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility for determining absolute ages of minerals and rocks. The 40Ar/39Ar laboratory contributes critical geochronology to individual USGS research projects and to partners in academia and other Federal agencies. This laboratory develops methodology for small and difficult sample analysis often at the limits of existing mass spectrometer technology.
Science Issue and Relevance
The 40Ar/39Ar Method: 40Ar/39Ar geochronology is an experimentally robust and versatile method for constraining the age and thermal history of rocks. Such information is extremely valuable for understanding a variety of geological processes including the formation of ore deposits, mountain building and history of volcanic events, paleo-seismic events, and paleo-climate. The 40Ar/39Ar isotopic dating method has evolved into the most commonly applied geochronological method, and can be applied to many geological problems that require precise and accurate time and temperature control.
Methodology to Address Issue
This project provides partial support for the USGS argon geochronology laboratory in Denver. The USGS 40Ar/39Ar geochronology laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility for determining absolute ages of minerals and rocks. The 40Ar/39Ar laboratory contributes critical geochronology to individual USGS research projects and to partners in academia and other Federal agencies. This facility houses necessary equipment for sample preparation and analysis, including high-sensitivity noble gas mass spectrometers and ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) lasers. The versatility of the 40Ar/39Ar method permits determining the timing of processes and events such as igneous intrusions and extrusions, ore mineralization and hydrothermal fluid circulation, metamorphic cooling and exhumation, mineral formation and recrystallization, and shallow crustal faulting. Scientists are dependent on the geochronologist for data and interpretations to determine these parameters. This laboratory develops methodology for small and difficult sample analysis often at the limits of existing mass spectrometer technology.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Below are data releases associated with this project. Visit USGS Geochron - a database of geochronologic and thermochronologic dates and data.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Thermochronology and tectonics of the Leeward Antilles: Evolution of the southern Caribbean Plate boundary zone
The timing of eclogite facies metamorphism and migmatization in the Orlica–Śnieżnik complex, Bohemian Massif: Constraints from a multimethod geochronological study
A preliminary study of older hot spring alteration in Sevenmile Hole, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone Caldera, Wyoming
Differential unroofing within the central metasedimentary Belt of the Grenville Orogen: constraints from 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology
Laurel-McGee and Wheeler Ridge Roadless Areas, California
Geochemical analyses of rock, stream-sediment, and nonmagnetic heavy-mineral concentrate samples, Laurel-McGee and Wheeler Ridge Roadless Areas, Inyo and Mono counties, California
In addition to the USGS National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program and the Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, below are partners associated with this project.