Articles | Volume 6, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-37-2024
https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-6-37-2024
Research article
 | 
19 Jan 2024
Research article |  | 19 Jan 2024

Modeling apparent Pb loss in zircon U–Pb geochronology

Glenn R. Sharman and Matthew A. Malkowski

Data sets

Supplemental materials for "Modeling apparent Pb loss in zircon U-Pb geochronology" Glenn R. Sharman and Matthew A. Malkowski https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8302521

Model code and software

Pb_loss_modeling (GitHub) Glenn R. Sharman https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8302313

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Short summary
The mineral zircon is widely used to determine the age of rocks based on the radioactive decay of U to Pb, but the measured U–Pb date can be too young if the zircon loses Pb. We present a method for estimating the distribution of apparent Pb loss by mathematical convolution. Applying this approach to 10 samples illustrates contrasting patterns of apparent Pb loss. This study highlights the importance of quantifying Pb loss to better understand its potential effects on zircon U–Pb dates.