https://gchron.copernicus.org/articles/ Combined list of the recent articles of the journal Geochronology and the recent discussion forum Geochronology Discussions en https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-627-2026 Technical note: Tc1D – a 1D thermal and thermochronometer age prediction model David M. Whipp, Benjamin Gérard, Sanni Laaksonen, and Dawn A. Kellett Geochronology, 8, 627–643, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-627-2026, 2026 Thermochronology is a dating method that measures the time since minerals cooled below a given temperature within the Earth, typically between 50–400 °C. Geoscientists often use thermochronology to measure how fast processes related to plate tectonics or erosion occur over timescales of millions of years. A challenge, however, is that many different temperature histories can produce the same age. In this work we introduce new software for using thermochronology to study geological processes. Thu, 08 Oct 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-607-2026 CoRSEER: the calculator of rock surface exposure age and erosion rates for luminescence rock surface exposure dating Arbaz N. Pathan, Rabiul H. Biswas, and Devender Kumar Geochronology, 8, 607–625, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-607-2026, 2026 We developed an open-source program that estimates how long a rock surface has been exposed and how rapidly it has eroded from changes in luminescence with depth. The program objectively normalises measured profiles, simulates signal bleaching and erosion, and reports uncertainty. Tests using published data produced results consistent with previous studies and improved reproducibility, supporting more reliable reconstruction of recent landscape change. Wed, 07 Oct 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-589-2026 Anomalous fading correction in luminescence dating – a mathematical reappraisal Benny Guralnik and Georgina E. King Geochronology, 8, 589–606, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-589-2026, 2026 Luminescence dating of feldspar minerals is widely applied in geology and archaeology. However, the luminescence of feldspar is prone to signal loss termed anomalous fading, which must be accounted for to avoid age underestimation. Here, we critically review the different mathematical approaches for anomalous fading correction, and present new, computationally efficient, analytical expressions for the two most ubiquitous fading correction schemes. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-547-2026 Meteoric beryllium-10 fluxes from soil inventory measurements in the East River watershed, Colorado, USA José M. Marmolejo-Cossío, Isaac J. Larsen, Eyal Marder, and Alan J. Hidy Geochronology, 8, 547–565, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-547-2026, 2026 Collision of cosmic rays with the atmosphere produces rare atoms, including beryllium-10, which falls out in precipitation and binds to soils. Measurements on glacial deposits from the last ice age in Colorado, USA show that millions of beryllium-10 atoms fall on each square centimeter of land each year. The rate of delivery increases with elevation and precipitation, which allowed us to make maps of the beryllium-10 flux for an entire watershed that will be used to measure erosion rates. Tue, 15 Sep 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-567-2026 In situ apatite U-Pb, fission track and (U-Th) ∕ He triple dating using a simple embedding approach Christoph Glotzbach, Alexander Neely, and Todd Alan Ehlers Geochronology, 8, 567–588, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-567-2026, 2026 We present a simple, robust method for triple dating (U–Pb, fission track, and in-situ (U–Th)/He) of apatite using Teflon mounts. The approach increases analytical throughput and ensures data quality via a decision matrix. Validation with Durango apatite and application to the Odenwald demonstrates its reliability and the ability to resolve complex thermal histories. Tue, 15 Sep 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-529-2026 Causes and mitigation of U–Pb fractionation during LA-ICP-MS analyses of zircon using nanosecond excimer laser systems Donald W. Davis and Heriberto Rochin-Banaga Geochronology, 8, 529–545, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-529-2026, 2026 The development of ultraviolet lasers combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers has allowed dating to be carried out on zircon with useful precision in minutes. This has led to a large increase in the amount of available geochronology but it involves corrections for multiple sources of measurement bias, which remain poorly understood. This work investigates the processes responsible for biases and proposes practical and theoretical approaches to improve accuracy. Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-511-2026 Challenges of initial Thorium and Approaches to Robust Speleothem Age Models: A case study from the Yucatán peninsula, Mexico Nils Schorndorf, Sophie F. Warken, René Eichstädter, Aaron S. Mielke, Jerónimo Avilés Olguín, Frank Keppler, Dominik Hennhöfer, Fátima Tec Pool, Carlos Evia, María José Gómez, Wolfgang Stinnesbeck, and Norbert Frank Geochronology, 8, 511–528, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-511-2026, 2026 To accurately understand past climate change, exact chronologies are fundamental. We dated multiple stalagmites from the Yucatán Peninsula covering the last 2700 years. Because these cave deposits contain high and variable amounts of contaminating elements that distort age models, we developed a multi-method approach to correct the timelines. Our corrected records now provide a reliable foundation for future studies to track ancient droughts, floods, and their links to Maya cultural evolution. Fri, 11 Sep 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-495-2026 U-Pb dating of sub-ng g−1 U garnet by LA-MC-ICP-MS Aratz Beranoaguirre, Leo J. Millonig, Richard Albert, Horst R. Marschall, and Axel Gerdes Geochronology, 8, 495–509, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-495-2026, 2026 We present a high-sensitivity laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) method for in-situ U–Pb dating of garnet with under 1 ng g⁻¹ U. Using ion counters, geologically meaningful ages are obtained from garnets with up to three orders of magnitude less uranium than standard in-situ U–Pb dating. This expands garnet petrochronology to low-U metamorphic rocks. Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-463-2026 Uncertainty in helium diffusion in zircon limits thermochronologic resolution: application to the Great Unconformity Matthew Fox, Adam G. G. Smith, Pieter Vermeesch, Kerry Gallagher, and Andrew Carter Geochronology, 8, 463–474, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-463-2026, 2026 The ability to reconstruct thermal histories from thermochronometric data is determined by kinetic parameters. The Great Unconformity represents an enormous amount of time lost from the sedimentary record and has been explored with zircon (U–Th)/He ages. Here we explore the uncertainty associated with the radiation damage model and show how this limits our ability to resolve the origin of the Great Unconformity. Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-475-2026 Technical note: Disentangling pre- and post-depositional thermal histories in partially reset samples Birk P. Härtel, Eva Enkelmann, and Akeek Maitra Geochronology, 8, 475–494, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-475-2026, 2026 We present a new strategy for extracting information on the thermal history of sedimentary samples that lost part of their radiogenic helium during sediment burial. It uses combined U/Pb and (U-Th)/He dating of zircon to find grains that formed just before deposition and use them to model the basin thermal history. The model also estimates the time when the source rock of each grain cooled. We discuss the advantages and limitations of our approach and its application to other methods. Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-447-2026 Technical note: Design, construction, automation, and first-principles calibration of a low volume He measurement line James R. Metcalf and Rebecca M. Flowers Geochronology, 8, 447–462, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-447-2026, 2026 (U-Th)/He chronology requires measuring the absolute amount of radiogenic He in a sample. While high-quality commercial He lines are available, these machines are not always ideal for researchers interested in developing new or emerging techniques like laser ablation (U-Th)/He chronology. This manuscript describes the design, construction, automation, and calibration of a new He analysis line in the University of Colorado Thermochronology Research and Instrumentation Lab (CU TRaIL) facility that is optimized for measuring small amounts of He. Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-423-2026 Simplified modeling of the impact of lithospheric-scale geological processes on thermal histories and low-temperature thermochronometers Dawn A. Kellett and David M. Whipp Geochronology, 8, 423–445, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-423-2026, 2026 Geological processes like erosion, burial, and faulting can influence or perturb heat conditions in the Earth's crust through time, which can complicate our interpretation of the geological significance of rock cooling histories determined from thermochronology. This 1D modeling study quantifies and illustrates the expected relationships between various lithosphere-scale geological processes and resulting thermal histories and thermochronometer ages. Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-387-2026 Dating circulations of hydrothermal fluids in the crystalline basements of unconformity-related metal deposits using in situ Rb ∕ Sr geochronology: proof of concept Quentin Boulogne, Gaétan Milesi, Chantal Peiffert, Emmy Fischer, Christophe Ballouard, Mehdi Serdoun, Thomas Obin, Andreï Lecomte, Pierre Martz, Andrew Kaczowka, and Julien Mercadier Geochronology, 8, 387–421, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-387-2026, 2026 This study investigates Rb–Sr system behavior in hydrothermally altered muscovite using in-situ LA-ICP-MS/MS (Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Tandem Mass Spectrometry) analyses from the Athabasca Basin. Unaltered muscovite records Paleoproterozoic crystallization ages, whereas muscovite altered to illite and sudoite yields a consistent age of ~1640 Ma, corresponding to alteration halos related to unconformity-type uranium deposits. These results highlight the potential of Rb–Sr dating to constrain hydrothermal processes and fluid–rock interactions. Wed, 08 Jul 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-373-2026 Extraction of multiple ages from c-axis projected fission tracks Peter K. Jensen Geochronology, 8, 373–386, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-373-2026, 2026 Natural fission of Uranium U-238 in minerals produce tracks in the crystal lattice. The density of tracks crossing the mineral surface is traditionally used together with the uranium concentration and the decay constant to calculate the age of fast-cooling minerals. A new equation is developed which includes the track length distribution of the tracks. It is then possible to age date the tracks as a function of their length. A detailed tectonic history of the minerals can then be derived. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-351-2026 Atmospheric 10Be from Talos Dome (East Antarctic) ice core records geomagnetic dipole intensity from 170 to 270 ka BP Alexis Lamothe, Edouard Bard, Nicolas Thouveny, Ellyn Auriol, Mirko Severi, Rita Traversi, Martine De Angelis, Frank Wilhelms, Robert Mulvaney, Fawzi Zaidi, Georges Aumaitre, Karim Keddadouche, and Mélanie Baroni Geochronology, 8, 351–371, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-351-2026, 2026 We studied changes in Earth's magnetic field between 170 000 and 270 000 years ago using beryllium data from Antarctic ice. Our results reveal three periods when the magnetic field weakened, including one major event with a rapid fall and gradual recovery. These findings help explain how Earth's magnetic field behaves during short-term disturbances and improve the timing of past climate and geological records. Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-329-2026 Testing current estimates of the in situ cosmogenic 10Be production rate in the north-western British Isles, with implications for ice sheet behaviour during Termination 1 Gordon R. M. Bromley, Brenda L. Hall, Aaron E. Putnam, and Thomas V. Lowell Geochronology, 8, 329–349, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-329-2026, 2026 Cosmogenic surface-exposure dating relies on accurate constraint of nuclide production rates. To improve dating resolution, we compare 10Be concentrations in deglacial surfaces in Scotland to local 14C targets to test the performance of 8 production rates. Of these, the Rannoch Moor rate from central Scotland gives the best fit with the 14C; others under-predict exposure age by up to 7 %. Our 10Be record also shows retreat of the last ice sheet was disrupted by a brief pause ~16 200 years ago. Fri, 05 Jun 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-313-2026 Response of the Rb–Sr system in biotite during contact metamorphism in the aureole of the Makhavinekh Lake Pluton, Labrador Christopher R. M. McFarlane Geochronology, 8, 313–327, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-313-2026, 2026 The mineral biotite is a common rock-forming mineral and notable for its ability to incorporate Rb into its structure. Microanalytical tools such a laser ablation and tandem mass spectrometry, allows Rb-Sr biotite dating with context preserved. This study reveals Sr mobility that is controlled by location in a rock. Reconstructing the timing of geological events using biotite Rb-Sr geochronology is, therefore, contingent on grain-scale evaluation of biotite textures. Thu, 28 May 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-297-2026 Novel insights into the post-IR IRSL200 signal bleachability of single-grain K-feldspars in fluvial modern analogues from the Southern Central Andes, Chile Arindam Biswas, Svenja Riedesel, Louise Karman-Besson, Max Hellers, Anne Guyez, Stéphane Bonnet, and Tony Reimann Geochronology, 8, 297–312, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-297-2026, 2026 We evaluate luminescence signal resetting in single-grain K-feldspar from modern fluvial analogues in Chile. Our results show a uniform sample-average bleaching trend but strong grain-scale variability. Residual doses are independent of feldspar geochemistry and catchment lithology but scale with natural dose. Taken together, these findings refine palaeodose correction strategies and support defining sample‑specific bleaching thresholds for luminescence‑based sediment tracing. Wed, 27 May 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-279-2026 40Ar ∕ 39Ar constraints on the eruption history of the Christiana Volcano of the Christiana-Santorini-Kolumbo volcanic field, Greece Pieter Z. Vroon, Teun Beemster, Xiaolong Zhou, Paraskevi Nomikou, Martijn Klaver, Jan R. Wijbrans, and Klaudia F. Kuiper Geochronology, 8, 279–295, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-279-2026, 2026 The Christiana Islands represents the oldest subaerial volcanism in the Christiana-Santorini-Kolombo volcanic field, but the exact age of this volcano has been unknown. This study reports new 40Ar/39Ar ages of ten volcanic samples from Christiana Island that cluster between 2.5–2.7 Ma with small uncertainties (0.02–0.14 Ma). One sample dated much younger: 133 ka; this is most likely derived from the Middle Pumice Plinian eruption of Santorini. Wed, 27 May 2026 22:08:59 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-255-2026 Paired 14C–10Be exposure ages from Mount Murphy, West Antarctica: Implications for accurate and precise deglacial chronologies Jonathan R. Adams, Dylan H. Rood, Klaus Wilcken, Stephen J. Roberts, and Joanne S. Johnson Geochronology, 8, 255–277, https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-8-255-2026, 2026 Ice sheet mass loss is adding to sea-level rise, and is expected to increase, but by how much and how fast remains uncertain. Isotopes produced in rock at the Earth’s surface provide records of past ice sheet thinning which help predict future change but are more effective if they are precise enough to determine past changes to the nearest thousand years. Carbon-14 is a unique isotope that provides an accurate record of past change since the last ice age, however, its precision can be improved. Tue, 05 May 2026 22:08:59 +0200