Trace of Stones - Determining the Age of Rocks with Radionuclides

Determining the age of material over geological timescales is a challenge, which can be met by the utilization of radionuclides.

Combining isotopes with different half lifes and different chronometric methods, allows for an accurate dating of samples from Hadean to the present. In addition, the utilization of crystal damage, due to nuclear fission provides insight into the thermal history of rocks, which allows for conclusions on the onset of uplifts of entire mountain ranges. This talk will discuss some of the most common dating techniques and exemplarily highlight their applications.