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Age of biostratigraphic horizons within the Ordovician and Silurian systems

December 31, 1985

Three samples that have a bearing on the age of horizons within the Ordovician and Silurian systems, two previously dated by the conventional K-Ar method and one by the 40Ar/39 Ar total-fusion method, have been reanalysed using the 40Ar/39Ar age-spectrum method. Conventional K-Ar and total-fusion 40Ar/39Ar ages can always be questioned because of the relative ease with which the K-Ar system can be disturbed, either thermally or chemically (i.e. Dalrymple & Lanphere 1969; Clauer et al. 1982). The 40Ar/39Ar age-spectrum method has the potential for identifying disturbed K-Ar systems (i.e. Berger 1975; Harrison & McDougall 1980). The authors feel that the age-spectrum data from these samples are significant because the previous results for these samples have been questioned in recently proposed Palaeozoic time-scales because of a possible disturbance of the K-Ar isotopic system (i.e. Gale et al. 1979, 1980; Gale 1982).

Publication Year 1985
Title Age of biostratigraphic horizons within the Ordovician and Silurian systems
DOI 10.1144/GSL.MEM.1985.010.01.10
Authors Michael J. Kunk, J. Sutter, J. D. Obradovich, Marvin A. Lanphere
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Geological Society Memoir
Index ID 70207636
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Eastern Geology and Paleoclimate Science Center