Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2023-9
https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-2023-9
02 May 2023
 | 02 May 2023
Status: this preprint is currently under review for the journal GChron.

Technical Note: Pb-loss-aware Eruption/Deposition Age Estimation

C. Brenhin Keller

Abstract. Interpreting overdispersed crystallization and closure age spectra has become a problem of significant import in high-precision geochronology. While Bayesian eruption age estimation appears to provide one promising avenue for the statistical interpretation of such dispersed datasets, existing methods critically hinge on an assumption of fully closed-system behavior after the time of eruption. However, given the presence of two independent decay systems with distinct responses to open-system behavior, the U/Pb system provides in principle the possibility of quantifying and potentially even constraining the timing of Pb-loss. Here we present a method for Pb-loss-aware eruption age estimation, that explicitly models not only the duration of crystallization but also the timing and magnitude of Pb-loss given accurate 206Pb/238U and 207Pb/235U isotopic ratios and covariances, leading to eruption age estimates that are potentially robust to post-eruptive Pb-loss. Further applications to detrital zircon data are considered.

C. Brenhin Keller

Status: open (until 17 Jun 2023)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on gchron-2023-9', Pieter Vermeesch, 01 Jun 2023 reply
  • RC2: 'Comment on gchron-2023-9', Ryan Ickert, 06 Jun 2023 reply

C. Brenhin Keller

Model code and software

Isoplot.jl C. Brenhin Keller https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/Z37WE

C. Brenhin Keller

Viewed

Total article views: 271 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
172 91 8 271 0 0
  • HTML: 172
  • PDF: 91
  • XML: 8
  • Total: 271
  • BibTeX: 0
  • EndNote: 0
Views and downloads (calculated since 02 May 2023)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 02 May 2023)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 262 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 262 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 08 Jun 2023
Download
Short summary
As a result of increasing precision and accuracy in geochronology, interpreting complicated age spectra has become increasingly important, since individual mineral ages often do not directly date the actual geologic process of interest. Here we propose a method for estimating the age of eruption or deposition of a set of minerals dated by the U-Pb system which, in contrast to previous approaches, remains accurate even when the dated minerals have experienced loss of the daughter product Pb.