This project supports the USGS argon geochronology laboratory in Denver. The USGS 40Ar/39Ar geochronology laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility for determining absolute ages of minerals and rocks. The 40Ar/39Ar laboratory contributes critical geochronology to individual USGS research projects and to partners in academia and other Federal agencies. This laboratory develops methodology for small and difficult sample analysis often at the limits of existing mass spectrometer technology.
Science Issue and Relevance
The 40Ar/39Ar Method: 40Ar/39Ar geochronology is an experimentally robust and versatile method for constraining the age and thermal history of rocks. Such information is extremely valuable for understanding a variety of geological processes including the formation of ore deposits, mountain building and history of volcanic events, paleo-seismic events, and paleo-climate. The 40Ar/39Ar isotopic dating method has evolved into the most commonly applied geochronological method, and can be applied to many geological problems that require precise and accurate time and temperature control.
Methodology to Address Issue
This project provides partial support for the USGS argon geochronology laboratory in Denver. The USGS 40Ar/39Ar geochronology laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility for determining absolute ages of minerals and rocks. The 40Ar/39Ar laboratory contributes critical geochronology to individual USGS research projects and to partners in academia and other Federal agencies. This facility houses necessary equipment for sample preparation and analysis, including high-sensitivity noble gas mass spectrometers and ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) lasers. The versatility of the 40Ar/39Ar method permits determining the timing of processes and events such as igneous intrusions and extrusions, ore mineralization and hydrothermal fluid circulation, metamorphic cooling and exhumation, mineral formation and recrystallization, and shallow crustal faulting. Scientists are dependent on the geochronologist for data and interpretations to determine these parameters. This laboratory develops methodology for small and difficult sample analysis often at the limits of existing mass spectrometer technology.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
USGS Geochron: A database of USGS geochronological and thermochronological data
Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West
Serving the U.S. Geological Survey’s geochronological data
Cenozoic Landscape Evolution of the Southern Rocky Mountains
Geochronologic Investigations
- Overview
This project supports the USGS argon geochronology laboratory in Denver. The USGS 40Ar/39Ar geochronology laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility for determining absolute ages of minerals and rocks. The 40Ar/39Ar laboratory contributes critical geochronology to individual USGS research projects and to partners in academia and other Federal agencies. This laboratory develops methodology for small and difficult sample analysis often at the limits of existing mass spectrometer technology.
Science Issue and Relevance
The 40Ar/39Ar Method: 40Ar/39Ar geochronology is an experimentally robust and versatile method for constraining the age and thermal history of rocks. Such information is extremely valuable for understanding a variety of geological processes including the formation of ore deposits, mountain building and history of volcanic events, paleo-seismic events, and paleo-climate. The 40Ar/39Ar isotopic dating method has evolved into the most commonly applied geochronological method, and can be applied to many geological problems that require precise and accurate time and temperature control.
Methodology to Address Issue
This project provides partial support for the USGS argon geochronology laboratory in Denver. The USGS 40Ar/39Ar geochronology laboratory is a state-of-the-art research facility for determining absolute ages of minerals and rocks. The 40Ar/39Ar laboratory contributes critical geochronology to individual USGS research projects and to partners in academia and other Federal agencies. This facility houses necessary equipment for sample preparation and analysis, including high-sensitivity noble gas mass spectrometers and ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) lasers. The versatility of the 40Ar/39Ar method permits determining the timing of processes and events such as igneous intrusions and extrusions, ore mineralization and hydrothermal fluid circulation, metamorphic cooling and exhumation, mineral formation and recrystallization, and shallow crustal faulting. Scientists are dependent on the geochronologist for data and interpretations to determine these parameters. This laboratory develops methodology for small and difficult sample analysis often at the limits of existing mass spectrometer technology.
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
USGS Geochron: A database of USGS geochronological and thermochronological data
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has developed an updated geochronology database (USGS Geochron) to include geochronology summary and analytical data created or funded by the USGS.Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West
The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West project was launched with the goal of producing a new digital geologic map database and 3D geologic model of a transect from the Rio Grande rift to the Basin and Range, based on a synthesis of existing geologic maps with new targeted new mapping, subsurface data, and other data sets. This database will integrate disparate map data, resolve...Serving the U.S. Geological Survey’s geochronological data
Geochronological data provide essential information necessary for understanding the timing of geologic processes and events, as well as quantifying rates and timescales key to geologic mapping, mineral and energy resource and hazard assessments. The USGS’s National Geochronological Database (NGDB) contains over 30,000 radiometric ages, but no formal update has occurred in over 20 years. This projCenozoic Landscape Evolution of the Southern Rocky Mountains
The Cenozoic Landscape Evolution of the Southern Rocky Mountains Project is a multi-year investigation funded by the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program. This project utilizes a combination of geologic mapping, geophysical surveys, basin modeling, and structural, neotectonic, geomorphic, volcanic, stratigraphic, and geochronologic studies to better understand the geologic landscape of...Geochronologic Investigations
The present landscape of the Southern Rocky Mountains and surrounding physiographic areas results from time-integrated interaction between the asthenosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Large-scale phenomena, such as asthenospheric upwelling directly or indirectly affect lithospheric thinning, faulting, basin development, and igneous activity sometimes associated with ore deposits. During the... - Data
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