Geochronology and Thermochronology by the 40Ar/39Ar Method [Hardcover]

Argon isotopic dating is one of the most important techniques for estimating the ages of rocks and can be used on very small samples. It has been used to assign reliable ages to the Earth and numerous meteorites. This second edition covers the standard principles and methods and incorporates many of new developments from the last decade. It covers the basis of the method, technical aspects, data presentation, diffusion theory, thermochronology, and many applications and case studies.

1. Historical Introduction
2. Basis of the ]4]0Ar/?]9Ar Dating Method
3. Technical Aspects
4. ]4]0Ar/?]9Ar Data Presentation and Interpretation
5. Diffusion Theory and Measurements
6. ]4]0Ar/?]9Ar Thermochronology
7. Applications and Case Histories
References
Index

The coverage of the book is broad and detailed, and the book contains a great deal of information on a variety of related topics. Many examples of studies on specific samples are used as illustrations throughout the book, almost all involving terrestrial materials. The book uses many tables, figures, and equations to illustrate concepts. it also contains 26 pages of references and a seven-page index. It is by far the most extensive treatment of the 40Ar/39Ar dating technique and its applications of which I am aware. Every laboratory performing radiometric dating may wish to have a copy. --Donald D. Bogard, Meteoritics & Planetary Science, 36, 2001