In situ-produced cosmogenic krypton in zircon and its potential for Earth surface applications

Tibor János Dunai,Axel Gerdes,Steven Andrew Binnie

doi:10.5194/gchron-4-65-2022

Tibor János Dunai, Axel Gerdes + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-65-2022

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Journal: Geochronology	Publication Date: Jan 25, 2022
Citations: 3	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Cologne, Goethe University Frankfurt

Abstract

Abstract. Analysis of cosmogenic nuclides produced in surface rocks and sediments is a valuable tool for assessing the rates of processes and the timing of events that shaped the Earth surface. The various nuclides that are used have specific advantages and limitations that depend on the time range over which they are useful, the type of material they are produced in and not least the feasibility of the analytical effort. Anticipating novel applications in Earth surface sciences, we develop in situ-produced terrestrial cosmogenic krypton (Krit) as a new tool, the motivation being the availability of six stable and one radioactive isotope (81Kr, half-life 229 kyr) and of an extremely weathering-resistant target mineral (zircon). We provide proof of principle that terrestrial Krit can be quantified and used to unravel Earth surface processes.

Highlights

Cosmogenic nuclides have become an important tool to address questions in Earth surface sciences and paleoclimatology (Dunai, 2010; Gosse and Phillips, 2001; Balco, 2020)
Anticipating novel applications in Earth surface sciences, we develop in situ-produced terrestrial cosmogenic krypton (Krit) as a new tool, the motivation being the availability of six stable and one radioactive isotope (81Kr, halflife 229 kyr) and of an extremely weathering-resistant target mineral
Each of the currently applied in situ-produced cosmogenic nuclides, i.e. 3He, 10Be, 14C, 21Ne, 26Al, 36Cl and 53Mn, has specific benefits and limitations that are rooted in its half-life, the availability of suitable target minerals and our ability to measure the exceedingly low amounts produced

Summary

Introduction

Cosmogenic nuclides have become an important tool to address questions in Earth surface sciences and paleoclimatology (Dunai, 2010; Gosse and Phillips, 2001; Balco, 2020). These nuclides are produced by particles of the cosmic ray cascade in the atmosphere and in minerals (i.e. in situ) at or close to the Earth’s surface (Dunai, 2010; Gosse and Phillips, 2001). With a half-life (t1/2) of 229 ± 11 kyr (Baglin, 2008), 81Kr is attractive for geomorphological applications; only the cosmogenic 81Kr produced in the atmosphere has been used in Earth sciences to date, as a dating tool for old ice and groundwater (Buizert et al, 2014; Sturchio et al, 2004)

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