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Leah E Morgan, Ph.D.

Leah Morgan is a Research Geologist with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center.

I joined the 40Ar/39Ar geochronology lab at the USGS in Denver, Colorado as a research geologist in 2015. I was previously a Marie Curie postdoctoral fellow at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Center and at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. I received a PhD from the University of California at Berkeley in 2009, and a BA from Carleton College in 2004. I was born and raised in Vermont.

I have worked on a range of applications and method development issues in 40Ar/39Ar geochronology. Applications have largely focused on questions in paleoanthropology and the geologic timescale. Method development projects include developing metrologically traceable systems for measuring absolute quantities of 40Ar and 40K, and the design of a mobile neutron source for the future in situ deployment of 40Ar/39Ar capabilities on planetary surfaces

USGS Service

  • 2020-present, USGS TRIGA Reactor Operating Committee
  • 2017-present, USGS Radiation Safety Committee
  • 2016-present, USGS Rocky Mountain Science Seminar Series Convener
  • 2018-2020 GGGSC Early Career Advisory Team, GGGSC

Professional Experience

  • 2015-present, Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey

  • 2014, Visiting Assistant Professor, Geology Department, Carleton College

  • 2011-2014, Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow, Scottish Universities Environmental Research Center, University of Glasgow, Scotland

  • 2009-2011, Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. Earth & Planetary Science, University of California at Berkeley, 2009

  • B.S. Geology, Carleton College, 2004

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • 2018-present, Affiliate Faculty, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO

  • 2021, co-Chair, Gordon Research Conference on Geochronology

  • 2019, vice-Chair, Gordon Research Conference on Geochronology

  • 2018-2019, Chair and Founder, Geochronology Division of the Geological Society of America

  • 2019-present, Advisory Member, Committee for the Stratigraphy and Chronology Commission, International Union for Quaternary Research

  • 2018-present, Steering Committee Member, EarthRates Research Coordination Network

Honors and Awards

  • 2019, USGS Superior Service Award

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 32

Bayesian calibration of the 40K decay scheme with implications for 40K-based geochronology Bayesian calibration of the 40K decay scheme with implications for 40K-based geochronology

The K/Ar and 40Ar/39Ar geochronometers are based on the naturally occurring radionuclide 40K. Their precision and accuracy are limited by uncertainties on the 40K decay constants and, in the case of the 40Ar/39Ar geochronometer, the isotopic composition of neutron fluence monitors. To address these limitations, we introduce a Bayesian calibration of the 40K decay scheme. We formulate...
Authors
Jack N. Carter, Caroline Hasler, Anthony Fuentes, Andrew Tholt, Leah E. Morgan, Paul R. Renne
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Mantle melting in regions of thick continental lithosphere: Examples from Late Cretaceous and younger volcanic rocks, Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado (USA) Mantle melting in regions of thick continental lithosphere: Examples from Late Cretaceous and younger volcanic rocks, Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado (USA)

Major- and trace-element data together with Nd and Sr isotopic compositions and 40Ar/39Ar age determinations were obtained for Late Cretaceous and younger volcanic rocks from north-central Colorado, USA, in the Southern Rocky Mountains to assess the sources of mantle-derived melts in a region underlain by thick (≥150 km) continental lithosphere. Trachybasalt to trachyandesite lava flows...
Authors
Lang Farmer, Leah E. Morgan, M. Cosca, James Mize, Treasure Bailey, Kenzie J. Turner, Cameron Mark Mercer, Eric T Ellison, Aaron Bell
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Paleogene sedimentary basin development in southern Nevada, USA Paleogene sedimentary basin development in southern Nevada, USA

The cause of the transition from Mesozoic and early Cenozoic crustal shortening to later extension in the western United States is debated. In many parts of the extant Sevier hinterland, now the Basin and Range Province, the sedimentary sections that provide the most direct record of that transition remain poorly studied and lack meaningful age control. In this paper, we present field...
Authors
Jens-Erik Lundstern, Theresa Maude Schwartz, Cameron Mark Mercer, Joseph P. Colgan, Jeremiah B. Workman, Leah E. Morgan
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Kesem-Kebena-Dulecha study area, Ethiopia Kesem-Kebena-Dulecha study area, Ethiopia

In 1988 and 1989, the Paleoanthropological Inventory of Ethiopia (PIE) field expedition discovered numerous localities of prehistoric significance across Ethiopia (WoldeGabriel et al., 1992). One of the regions surveyed by the Inventory team was the Dulecha administrative district (Gabi Rasu), Afar Zone (Fig. 1). The surveyed area (geographic reference: 9.407° N, 40.057° E) includes the...
Authors
W. Henry Gilbert, V.B. Doronichev, L.V. Golovanova, Leah E. Morgan, Luis Nunez, Laura Rodriguez, Nohemi Sala, D. Cusimano, I. de Gaspar, Paul Mazza, N. Garcia
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Potassium-39-derived 36Ar production during fission-neutron irradiation and its effect on 40Ar/39Ar ages Potassium-39-derived 36Ar production during fission-neutron irradiation and its effect on 40Ar/39Ar ages

Various interference reactions producing unwanted Ar isotopes from K, Ca, Cl and Ar require correction to satisfy the 40Ar/39Ar age equation. Using GEANT4, we design and build a model Cadmium Lined In Core Irradiation Tube (CLICIT) irradiation facility, as used in the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor (OSTR). We illustrate the complexity of the irradiation of geologic samples within this...
Authors
Jack N. Carter, Paul R. Renne, Leah E. Morgan
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Rare 40K decay with implications for fundamental physics and geochronology Rare 40K decay with implications for fundamental physics and geochronology

Potassium-40 is a widespread, naturally occurring isotope whose radioactivity impacts subatomic rare-event searches, nuclear structure theory, and estimated geological ages. A predicted electron-capture decay directly to the ground state of argon-40 has never been observed. The KDK (potassium decay) collaboration reports strong evidence of this rare decay mode. A blinded analysis reveals...
Authors
M. Stukel, L. Hariasz, P.C.F. Di Stefano, B.C. Rasco, K.P. Rykaczewski, N.T. Brewer, D.W. Stracener, Y. Liu, Z. Gai, C. Rouleau, J. B. Carter, J. Kostensalo, J. Suhonen, H. Davis, E.D. Lukosi, K.C. Goetz, R.K. Grzywacz, M. Mancuso, F. Petricca, A. Fijalkowska, M. Wolinska-Cichocka, J. Ninkovic, P. Lechner, R.B. Ickert, Leah E. Morgan, P.R. Renne, I. Yavin
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

First observation of the ground-state electron-capture of 40K First observation of the ground-state electron-capture of 40K

Potassium-40 is a widespread, naturally occurring isotope whose radioactivity impacts estimated geological ages spanning billions of years, nuclear structure theory, and subatomic rare-event searches—including those for dark matter and neutrinoless double-beta decay. The decays of this long-lived isotope must be precisely known for its use as a geochronometer, and to account for its...
Authors
L. Hariasz, M. Stukel, P.C.F. Di Stefano, B.C. Rasco, K.P. Rykaczewski, N.T. Brewer, D.W. Stracener, Y. Liu, Z. Gai, C. Rouleau, J. B. Carter, J. Kostensalo, J. Suhonen, H. Davis, E.D. Lukosi, K.C. Goetz, R.K. Grzywacz, M. Mancuso, F. Petricca, A. Fijalkowska, M. Wolinska-Cichocka, J. Ninkovic, P. Lechner, R.B. Ickert, Leah E. Morgan, P.R. Renne, I. Yavin
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Constraints on near-ridge magmatism using 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of enriched MORB from the 8°20' N seamount chain Constraints on near-ridge magmatism using 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of enriched MORB from the 8°20' N seamount chain

Our understanding of the spatial-temporal-compositional relationships between off-axis magmatism and mid-ocean ridge spreading centers is limited. Determining the 40Ar/39Ar ages of mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) lavas erupting near mid-ocean ridges (MOR) has been a challenge due to the characteristically low K2O contents in incompatible element-depleted normal MORB (NMORB). High-precision...
Authors
Molly Anderson, Michael Perfit, Leah E. Morgan, Daniel Fornari, Michael A. Cosca, V. Dorsey Wanless
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Community for data integration 2019 project report Community for data integration 2019 project report

The U.S. Geological Survey Community for Data Integration annually supports small projects focusing on data integration for interdisciplinary research, innovative data management, and demonstration of new technologies. This report provides a summary of the 14 projects supported in fiscal year 2019 and outlines their goals, activities, and accomplishments. Proposals in 2019 were...
Authors
Amanda N. Liford, Caitlin M. Andrews, Aparna Bamzai, Joseph A. Bard, David S. Blehert, John B. Bradford, Wesley M. Daniel, Sara L. Caldwell Eldridge, Frank Engel, Jason A. Ferrante, Amy K. Gilmer, Margaret E. Hunter, Jeanne M. Jones, Benjamin Letcher, Frances L. Lightsom, Richard R. McDonald, Leah E. Morgan, Sasha C. Reed, Leslie Hsu
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Science Synthesis, Analysis and Research Program, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS) Program, Volcano Hazards Program, Community for Data Integration (CDI), Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Volcano Science Center, Western Geographic Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Science Data Management

First principles calibration of 40Ar abundances in 40Ar/39Ar mineral neutron fluence monitors: Methodology and preliminary results First principles calibration of 40Ar abundances in 40Ar/39Ar mineral neutron fluence monitors: Methodology and preliminary results

The accuracy and traceability of geochronometers are of vital importance to questions asked by many Earth scientists. The widely applied 40Ar/39Ar geochronometer relies on the co-irradiation of samples with neutron fluence monitors (reference materials) of known ages; the ages and uncertainties of these monitors are critical to our ability to apply this chronometer. Previously, first...
Authors
Leah E. Morgan, Brett Davidheiser-Kroll, Klaudia F. Kuiper, Darren F. Mark, Noah M. McLean, Jan Wijbrans
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Early Neoproterozoic gold deposits of the Alto Guaporé province, southwestern Amazon craton, western Brazil Early Neoproterozoic gold deposits of the Alto Guaporé province, southwestern Amazon craton, western Brazil

The Alto Guaporé gold province, southwestern Amazon craton, contains gold deposits that have been mined since the beginning of the 18th century and these deposits, together, have modern-day, pre-mining gold resources of at least 1.8 Moz. The ore is associated with quartz vein systems along the southeastern part of the Aguapei belt, a ~35-km-wide and ~500-km-long, NNW-trending shear zone...
Authors
Rodrigo Prudente de Melo, Marcos Aurélio Farias de Oliveira, Richard J. Goldfarb, Craig A. Johnson, Erin E. Marsh, Roberto Perez Xavier, Leandro Rocha de Oliveira, Leah E. Morgan
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous orogenic gold mineralization in the Klamath Mountains, California: Constraints from 40Ar/39Ar dating of hydrothermal muscovite Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous orogenic gold mineralization in the Klamath Mountains, California: Constraints from 40Ar/39Ar dating of hydrothermal muscovite

The Klamath Mountains gold province is the second most important historical producer in California, having produced more than 7 Moz of gold from both lode and placer sources. Hydrothermal muscovite grains from gold-bearing veins provide the first 40Ar/39Ar age constraints indicative of a protracted period of mineralization in the Klamath Mountains. The data indicate that the window for...
Authors
Ryan D. Taylor, Leah E. Morgan, Fred Jourdan, Thomas Monecke, Erin E. Marsh, Richard J. Goldfarb
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Mark, D.F., P.R. Renne, R. Dymock, V.C. Smith, J.I. SImon, L.E. Morgan, R.A. Staff, and B.S. Ellis, 2017. High-precision 40Ar/39Ar dating of pleistocene tuffs and temporal anchoring of the Matuyama-Brunhes boundary. Quaternary Geochronology 39, 1-23, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2017.01.002.
Morgan, L.E., 2017. 40Ar/39Ar and K-Ar Geochronology, in: A.S. Gilbert (ed.), Encyclopedia of Geoarchaeology. Encyclopedia of Earth Science Series. Springer, Dordrecht, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-4409-0.
Morgan, L.E., 2015. Noble Gas Mass Spectrometry, in: W.J. Rink, and J.W. Thompson (eds.), Encyclopedia of Scientific Dating Methods. Encyclopedia of Earth Science Series. Springer, Dordrecht, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6304-3_118.
Sahle, Y., L.E. Morgan, D.R. Braun, W.K. Hutchings, 2014. Chronological and behavioral contexts of the earliest Middle Stone Age in the Gademotta Formation, Main Ethiopian Rift, Quaternary International, v. 331, p. 6-19, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2013.03.010.
Mark, D.F., M. Petraglia, V.C. Smith, L.E. Morgan, D.N. Barfod, B.S Ellis, N.J. Pearce, J.N. Pal, R. Korisettar, 2014. A high-precision 40Ar/39Ar age for the Young Toba Tuff and dating of ultra- distal tephra: forcing of Quaternary climate and implications for hominin occupation of India, Quaternary Geochronology, v. 21, p. 90-103, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2012.12.004.
Sahle, Y., W.K. Hutchings, D.R. Braun, J.C. Sealy, L.E. Morgan, A. Negash, B. Atnafu, 2013. Earliest stone-tipped projectiles from the Ethiopian Rift date to >279,000 years ago. PLOS ONE, v. 8, no. 11, e78092, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0078092.
Morgan, L.E., D.F. Mark, J. Imlach, D.N. Barfod, 2013. FCs-EK: A new sampling of the Fish Canyon tuff 40Ar/39Ar neutron flux monitor, in: Jourdan, F., Mark, D., and Verati, C. (eds.), Advances in 40Ar/39Ar Dating: from Archaeology to Planetary Sciences. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 378, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP378.21.
Renne, P.R., A.L. Deino, F.J. Hilgen, K.F. Kuiper, D.F. Mark, W.S. Mitchell, L.E. Morgan, R. Mundil, J. Smit, 2013. Timescales of critical events around the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. Science, v. 339, p. 684-687, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1230492.
Schoene, B., D.J. Condon, L.E. Morgan, N. McLean, 2013. Precision and accuracy in geochronology. Elements Magazine, v.9, no.1, p. 23-28, http://elementsmagazine.org/past-issue-archive/2013-volume-9/#February2013.
Renne, P.R., S.R. Mulcahy, W.S. Cassata,, L.E. Morgan, S.P. Kelley, L. Hlusko, J. Njau, 2012. Retention of inherited Ar by alkali feldspar xenocrysts in a magma: Kinetic constraints from Ba zoning profiles. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 93, p. 129-142, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2012.06.029.
Morgan, L.E., P.R. Renne, R. Galotti, G. Kieffer, M. Piperno, J.-P. Raynal, 2012. A chronological framework for a long and persistent archeological record: Melka Kunture, Ethiopia. Journal of Human Evolution, v. 62, no. 1, p. 104-115, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhevol.2011.10.007.
Frost, S.R., H.L. Schwartz, L. Giemsch, L.E. Morgan, P.R. Renne, M. Wildgoose, C. Saanane, F. Schrenk, K. Harvati, 2012. Refined age estimates and paleoanthropological investigation of the Manyara Beds, Tanzania. Journal of Anthropological Sciences, v. 90, p. 151-161, https://doi.org/10.4436/jass.90001.
Schwartz, H., P.R. Renne, L.E. Morgan, M.M. Wildgoose, P.C. Lippert, S.R. Frost, K. Harvati, F. Schrenk, C. Saanane, 2012. Geochronology of the Manyara Beds, northern Tanzania: stratigraphy and new magnetostratigraphy and 40Ar/39Ar ages. Quaternary Geochronology, v. 7, no. 1, p. 48-66, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2011.09.002.
Morgan, L.E., O. Postma, K.F. Kuiper, D.F. Mark, W. van der Plas, S. Davidson, M. Perkin, I. Villa, J.R. Wijbrans, 2011. A metrological approach to measuring 40Ar* concentrations in K-Ar and 40Ar/39Ar mineral standards, Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., v. 12, p. A0AA20, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GC003719.
Renne, P.R., A.L. Deino, W.E. Hames, M.T. Heizler, S.R. Hemming, K.V. Hodges, A.A.P. Koppers, D.F. Mark, L.E. Morgan, D. Phillips, B.S. Singer, B.D. Turrin, I.M. Villa, M. Villeneuve and J.R. Wijbrans, 2009. Data reporting norms for 40Ar/39Ar geochronology. Quaternary Geochronology, v. 4, no. 5, p. 346-352, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2009.06.005.
Renne, P.R., W.S. Cassata, and L.E. Morgan, 2009. The isotopic composition of atmospheric argon and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology: time for a change? Quaternary Geochronology, v. 4, no. 4, p. 288-298, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2009.02.015.
Renne, P. R., L.E. Morgan, G. WoldeGabriel, W.K. Hart, Y. Haile-Selassie, and T.D. White, 2009. 40Ar/39Ar Ages of the Middle Awash Late Miocene, in: Haile-Selassie, Y., and WoldeGabriel, G. (eds.), Ardipithecus kadabba: Late Miocene evidence from the Middle Awash, Ethiopia. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.
Morgan, L.E., P.R. Renne, R.E. Taylor, and G. WoldeGabriel, 2009. Archaeological age constraints from eruption ages of obsidian: Examples from the Middle Awash, Ethiopia. Quaternary Geochronology, v. 4, p. 193-203, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2009.01.001.
Morgan, L.E. and P.R. Renne, 2008. Diachronous Dawn of Africa’s Middle Stone Age: New 40Ar/39Ar ages from the Ethiopian Rift. Geology, v. 36, no. 12, p. 967-970, https://doi.org/10.1130/G25213A.1.
Gihring, T.M., L.-H. Lin, M. Davidson, T.C. Onstott, L. Morgan, M. Milleson, T.L. Kieft, E. Trimarco, D.L. Balkwill, and M.E. Dollhopf, 2006. The Distribution of Microbial Taxa in the Subsurface Water of the Kalahari Shield, South Africa. Geomicrobiology Journal, v. 23, p. 415-430, https://doi.org/10.1080/01490450600875696.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Decorative banner image of Color cathodoluminescence (CL) image of zircons

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.
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
USGS Geochron: A database of USGS geochronological and thermochronological data

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.
Learn More
large piece of equipment for argon extraction system and mass spectrometer

Argon Geochronology

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...
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Argon Geochronology

Argon Geochronology

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...
Learn More
Mt. Ouray, Colorado with aspen colors

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project conducts 1:24,000- to 1:100,000-scale geologic mapping to support framework geologic investigations. The IMW project is prioritizing development of a seamless, integrated geologic map database in targeted areas of the Intermountain West region of the United States that host substantial mineral, energy, water, and industrial material...
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project conducts 1:24,000- to 1:100,000-scale geologic mapping to support framework geologic investigations. The IMW project is prioritizing development of a seamless, integrated geologic map database in targeted areas of the Intermountain West region of the United States that host substantial mineral, energy, water, and industrial material...
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USGS science for a changing world logo

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...
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Community for Data Integration (CDI)
Serving the U.S. Geological Survey’s geochronological data

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 proj
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Filter Total Items: 28

Argon data for samples from Kenya and Ethiopia Argon data for samples from Kenya and Ethiopia

Ar/Ar data are for 12 samples that record the eruption age of tephra. The geochronology provides time constraints for the ages of tephra and interbedded sediments and fossils from Kenya and Ethiopia. Samples were collected by Erin Dimaggio (Pennsylvania State University), who brought them to the USGS Denver Argon Geochronology Laboratory for Ar/Ar analysis. Samples were analyzed in...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

USGS Geochron: Data Compilation Templates (2.0, June 2025) USGS Geochron: Data Compilation Templates (2.0, June 2025)

USGS Geochron is a database of geochronological and thermochronological dates and data. The USGS Geochron: Data Compilation Templates data release hosts Microsoft Excel-based data compilation templates for the USGS Geochron database. Geochronological and thermochronological methods currently archived in the USGS Geochron database include radiocarbon, cosmogenic (10Be, 26Al, 3He), fission...
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Argon Data for samples from the Elkhead and Rabbit Ears Mountains, northern Colorado, USA Argon Data for samples from the Elkhead and Rabbit Ears Mountains, northern Colorado, USA

This dataset accompanies the planned publication “Mantle Melting in Regions of Thick Continental Lithosphere-Examples from Late Cretaceous and Younger Volcanic Rocks, Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado” in the journal Geosphere. The dataset includes 40Ar/39Ar data for 19 samples from the Rabbit Ears volcanic field and from the Elkhead Mountains in northcentral Colorado, USA. Samples were...
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

U-Pb detrital zircon data and Ar feldspar data from middle Cenozoic sandstones and volcanic tuffs from southern Nevada, USA U-Pb detrital zircon data and Ar feldspar data from middle Cenozoic sandstones and volcanic tuffs from southern Nevada, USA

This Data Release accompanies the publication, "Paleogene sedimentary basin development in southern Nevada, USA" by Lundstern and others (2024) in the journal Lithosphere. Included here are U-Pb detrital zircon and Ar/Ar feldspar geochronologic data for middle Cenozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks collected by Jens-Erik Lundstern and Theresa M. Schwartz in several parts of southern...
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Argon data for enriched MORB from the 8°20' N seamount chain Argon data for enriched MORB from the 8°20' N seamount chain

This dataset accompanies planned publication 'Near-Ridge Magmatism Constrained Using 40Ar/39Ar Dating of Enriched MORB from the 8°20' N Seamount Chain'. The Ar/Ar data are for samples that record the volcanic history of the area. The geochronology provides time constraints for the eruption of rocks studied in the manuscript. Samples were collected from the 8°20' N seamount chain by Molly...
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Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Quetrupillán Volcanic Complex, southern Chile: Argon age data and Pb, Sr, and Nd isotopic data Quetrupillán Volcanic Complex, southern Chile: Argon age data and Pb, Sr, and Nd isotopic data

This dataset accompanies planned publication 'Lava-ice interactions at late Pleistocene trachyte-basaltic andesite fissure eruptions, Quetrupillán Volcanic Complex (39°30′ S, 71°43′ W), southern Chile', as well as planned future publications on this volcanic complex. The Ar/Ar data and the Pb, Sr, and Nd data are for basalt and trachyte lava flows at Quetrupillán volcano. The Ar...
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver Radiogenic Isotope Lab

USGS Geochron: A Database of Geochronological and Thermochronological Dates and Data (ver. 4.0, May 2025) USGS Geochron: A Database of Geochronological and Thermochronological Dates and Data (ver. 4.0, May 2025)

USGS Geochron is a database of geochronological and thermochronological dates and data. The data set contains published ages, dates, analytical information, sample metadata including location, and source citations. The following analytical techniques are represented in the data set: 40Ar/39Ar, K-Ar, U-Th-Pb, Sm-Nd, Rb-Sr, Lu-Hf, fission track, luminescence, U-series, (U-Th)/He, Re-Os...
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Community for Data Integration (CDI), Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Database for the geologic map of the upper Santa Cruz River basin, southern Arizona Database for the geologic map of the upper Santa Cruz River basin, southern Arizona

This digital publication contains the database, base maps, and style files used to build the geologic map of the upper Santa Cruz River basin in southern Arizona published in U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3490 (Page and others, 2023). Shapefiles are also included for the user’s convenience. In the database, there are polygon features outlining the map units and...
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Argon data for HD-B1 intercalibration Argon data for HD-B1 intercalibration

This data release includes 40Ar/39Ar intercalibration data from the U.S. Geological Survey for neutron fluence monitors HD-B1 (Heidelberg biotite) and FCs (Fish Canyon sanidine). Potassium-bearing mineral grains were analyzed by argon geochronology at the U.S. Geological Survey Argon Geochronology Laboratory in Denver, Colorado. These data provide intercalibration information between the...
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Argon data for Santa Cruz Basin (ver. 1.1, November 2022) Argon data for Santa Cruz Basin (ver. 1.1, November 2022)

This data release includes 40Ar/39Ar data from the U.S. Geological Survey for samples from the Santa Cruz Basin, Arizona. Mineral samples were collected by Kenzie Turner and William Page from the upper Santa Cruz Basin, Arizona. Potassium-bearing mineral grains were separated from the bulk sample and analyzed by argon geochronology at the U.S. Geological Survey Argon Geochronology...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Argon data for Hugub Area, Kesem-Kebena-Dulecha, Ethiopia Argon data for Hugub Area, Kesem-Kebena-Dulecha, Ethiopia

Tephra samples were collected by Leah Morgan (now at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)) from the Hugub Area, Kesem-Kebena-Dulecha, Afar, Ethiopia. Sanidine grains were separated from the bulk sample and analyzed by argon geochronology at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, Scotland. The data indicate that the age of the Hugub Bed, which is rich in archarological...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Argon data for Klamath Mountains Argon data for Klamath Mountains

This dataset accompanies planned publication '40Ar/39Ar geochronology of hydrothermal activity related to orogenic gold mineralization in the Klamath Mountains, California, U.S.A.'. The Ar/Ar data are for samples that record the mineralization of the area. The geochronology provides time constraints for the mineralization studied in the manuscript. Samples were collected from the Klamath...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Geologic map and hydrogeologic investigations of the upper Santa Cruz River basin, southern Arizona Geologic map and hydrogeologic investigations of the upper Santa Cruz River basin, southern Arizona

This report includes an updated geologic map and cross sections of the upper Santa Cruz River basin, southern Arizona. The map and cross sections describe the geometry, thickness, and structure of the Miocene to Holocene units which form the main aquifers in the basin. The report also includes results of new hydrogeologic studies including (1) mapping and defining depth to bedrock based...
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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic map of the Poncha Pass area, Chaffee, Fremont, and Saguache Counties, Colorado Geologic map of the Poncha Pass area, Chaffee, Fremont, and Saguache Counties, Colorado

This report presents a 1:24,000-scale geologic map, cross sections, and descriptive and interpretative text for the Poncha Pass area in central Colorado. The map area is irregular in shape, covering all of one 7 ½' quadrangle (Poncha Pass) and parts of five others (Mount Ouray, Maysville, Salida West, Salida East, and Wellsville). The map boundaries were drawn to cover all of the “Poncha...
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic map of the San Antonio Mountain area, northern New Mexico and southern Colorado Geologic map of the San Antonio Mountain area, northern New Mexico and southern Colorado

The geologic map of the San Antonio Mountain area in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado is located along the west-central part of the San Luis Valley. The San Luis Valley is the geomorphic expression of the San Luis Basin, an extensional basin associated with the northern Rio Grande rift. Deposits within the map area record volcanic, sedimentary, and tectonic processes over the...
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

USGS Geochron Database Explorer USGS Geochron Database Explorer

This Web Application is a tool for viewing, exploring, and downloading the "USGS Geochron: A Database of Geochronological and Thermochronological Dates and Data" Data Release.
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
New online tool serves USGS geochronology data in state-of-the-art way

New online tool serves USGS geochronology data in state-of-the-art way

The U.S. Geological Survey has developed an updated, point and click web application for accessing a geochronology database with sample summary and...

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Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 32

Bayesian calibration of the 40K decay scheme with implications for 40K-based geochronology Bayesian calibration of the 40K decay scheme with implications for 40K-based geochronology

The K/Ar and 40Ar/39Ar geochronometers are based on the naturally occurring radionuclide 40K. Their precision and accuracy are limited by uncertainties on the 40K decay constants and, in the case of the 40Ar/39Ar geochronometer, the isotopic composition of neutron fluence monitors. To address these limitations, we introduce a Bayesian calibration of the 40K decay scheme. We formulate...
Authors
Jack N. Carter, Caroline Hasler, Anthony Fuentes, Andrew Tholt, Leah E. Morgan, Paul R. Renne
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Mantle melting in regions of thick continental lithosphere: Examples from Late Cretaceous and younger volcanic rocks, Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado (USA) Mantle melting in regions of thick continental lithosphere: Examples from Late Cretaceous and younger volcanic rocks, Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado (USA)

Major- and trace-element data together with Nd and Sr isotopic compositions and 40Ar/39Ar age determinations were obtained for Late Cretaceous and younger volcanic rocks from north-central Colorado, USA, in the Southern Rocky Mountains to assess the sources of mantle-derived melts in a region underlain by thick (≥150 km) continental lithosphere. Trachybasalt to trachyandesite lava flows...
Authors
Lang Farmer, Leah E. Morgan, M. Cosca, James Mize, Treasure Bailey, Kenzie J. Turner, Cameron Mark Mercer, Eric T Ellison, Aaron Bell
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Paleogene sedimentary basin development in southern Nevada, USA Paleogene sedimentary basin development in southern Nevada, USA

The cause of the transition from Mesozoic and early Cenozoic crustal shortening to later extension in the western United States is debated. In many parts of the extant Sevier hinterland, now the Basin and Range Province, the sedimentary sections that provide the most direct record of that transition remain poorly studied and lack meaningful age control. In this paper, we present field...
Authors
Jens-Erik Lundstern, Theresa Maude Schwartz, Cameron Mark Mercer, Joseph P. Colgan, Jeremiah B. Workman, Leah E. Morgan
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Kesem-Kebena-Dulecha study area, Ethiopia Kesem-Kebena-Dulecha study area, Ethiopia

In 1988 and 1989, the Paleoanthropological Inventory of Ethiopia (PIE) field expedition discovered numerous localities of prehistoric significance across Ethiopia (WoldeGabriel et al., 1992). One of the regions surveyed by the Inventory team was the Dulecha administrative district (Gabi Rasu), Afar Zone (Fig. 1). The surveyed area (geographic reference: 9.407° N, 40.057° E) includes the...
Authors
W. Henry Gilbert, V.B. Doronichev, L.V. Golovanova, Leah E. Morgan, Luis Nunez, Laura Rodriguez, Nohemi Sala, D. Cusimano, I. de Gaspar, Paul Mazza, N. Garcia
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Potassium-39-derived 36Ar production during fission-neutron irradiation and its effect on 40Ar/39Ar ages Potassium-39-derived 36Ar production during fission-neutron irradiation and its effect on 40Ar/39Ar ages

Various interference reactions producing unwanted Ar isotopes from K, Ca, Cl and Ar require correction to satisfy the 40Ar/39Ar age equation. Using GEANT4, we design and build a model Cadmium Lined In Core Irradiation Tube (CLICIT) irradiation facility, as used in the Oregon State TRIGA Reactor (OSTR). We illustrate the complexity of the irradiation of geologic samples within this...
Authors
Jack N. Carter, Paul R. Renne, Leah E. Morgan
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Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Rare 40K decay with implications for fundamental physics and geochronology Rare 40K decay with implications for fundamental physics and geochronology

Potassium-40 is a widespread, naturally occurring isotope whose radioactivity impacts subatomic rare-event searches, nuclear structure theory, and estimated geological ages. A predicted electron-capture decay directly to the ground state of argon-40 has never been observed. The KDK (potassium decay) collaboration reports strong evidence of this rare decay mode. A blinded analysis reveals...
Authors
M. Stukel, L. Hariasz, P.C.F. Di Stefano, B.C. Rasco, K.P. Rykaczewski, N.T. Brewer, D.W. Stracener, Y. Liu, Z. Gai, C. Rouleau, J. B. Carter, J. Kostensalo, J. Suhonen, H. Davis, E.D. Lukosi, K.C. Goetz, R.K. Grzywacz, M. Mancuso, F. Petricca, A. Fijalkowska, M. Wolinska-Cichocka, J. Ninkovic, P. Lechner, R.B. Ickert, Leah E. Morgan, P.R. Renne, I. Yavin
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

First observation of the ground-state electron-capture of 40K First observation of the ground-state electron-capture of 40K

Potassium-40 is a widespread, naturally occurring isotope whose radioactivity impacts estimated geological ages spanning billions of years, nuclear structure theory, and subatomic rare-event searches—including those for dark matter and neutrinoless double-beta decay. The decays of this long-lived isotope must be precisely known for its use as a geochronometer, and to account for its...
Authors
L. Hariasz, M. Stukel, P.C.F. Di Stefano, B.C. Rasco, K.P. Rykaczewski, N.T. Brewer, D.W. Stracener, Y. Liu, Z. Gai, C. Rouleau, J. B. Carter, J. Kostensalo, J. Suhonen, H. Davis, E.D. Lukosi, K.C. Goetz, R.K. Grzywacz, M. Mancuso, F. Petricca, A. Fijalkowska, M. Wolinska-Cichocka, J. Ninkovic, P. Lechner, R.B. Ickert, Leah E. Morgan, P.R. Renne, I. Yavin
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Constraints on near-ridge magmatism using 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of enriched MORB from the 8°20' N seamount chain Constraints on near-ridge magmatism using 40Ar/39Ar geochronology of enriched MORB from the 8°20' N seamount chain

Our understanding of the spatial-temporal-compositional relationships between off-axis magmatism and mid-ocean ridge spreading centers is limited. Determining the 40Ar/39Ar ages of mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) lavas erupting near mid-ocean ridges (MOR) has been a challenge due to the characteristically low K2O contents in incompatible element-depleted normal MORB (NMORB). High-precision...
Authors
Molly Anderson, Michael Perfit, Leah E. Morgan, Daniel Fornari, Michael A. Cosca, V. Dorsey Wanless
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Community for data integration 2019 project report Community for data integration 2019 project report

The U.S. Geological Survey Community for Data Integration annually supports small projects focusing on data integration for interdisciplinary research, innovative data management, and demonstration of new technologies. This report provides a summary of the 14 projects supported in fiscal year 2019 and outlines their goals, activities, and accomplishments. Proposals in 2019 were...
Authors
Amanda N. Liford, Caitlin M. Andrews, Aparna Bamzai, Joseph A. Bard, David S. Blehert, John B. Bradford, Wesley M. Daniel, Sara L. Caldwell Eldridge, Frank Engel, Jason A. Ferrante, Amy K. Gilmer, Margaret E. Hunter, Jeanne M. Jones, Benjamin Letcher, Frances L. Lightsom, Richard R. McDonald, Leah E. Morgan, Sasha C. Reed, Leslie Hsu
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Science Synthesis, Analysis and Research Program, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS) Program, Volcano Hazards Program, Community for Data Integration (CDI), Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Volcano Science Center, Western Geographic Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Science Data Management

First principles calibration of 40Ar abundances in 40Ar/39Ar mineral neutron fluence monitors: Methodology and preliminary results First principles calibration of 40Ar abundances in 40Ar/39Ar mineral neutron fluence monitors: Methodology and preliminary results

The accuracy and traceability of geochronometers are of vital importance to questions asked by many Earth scientists. The widely applied 40Ar/39Ar geochronometer relies on the co-irradiation of samples with neutron fluence monitors (reference materials) of known ages; the ages and uncertainties of these monitors are critical to our ability to apply this chronometer. Previously, first...
Authors
Leah E. Morgan, Brett Davidheiser-Kroll, Klaudia F. Kuiper, Darren F. Mark, Noah M. McLean, Jan Wijbrans
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Early Neoproterozoic gold deposits of the Alto Guaporé province, southwestern Amazon craton, western Brazil Early Neoproterozoic gold deposits of the Alto Guaporé province, southwestern Amazon craton, western Brazil

The Alto Guaporé gold province, southwestern Amazon craton, contains gold deposits that have been mined since the beginning of the 18th century and these deposits, together, have modern-day, pre-mining gold resources of at least 1.8 Moz. The ore is associated with quartz vein systems along the southeastern part of the Aguapei belt, a ~35-km-wide and ~500-km-long, NNW-trending shear zone...
Authors
Rodrigo Prudente de Melo, Marcos Aurélio Farias de Oliveira, Richard J. Goldfarb, Craig A. Johnson, Erin E. Marsh, Roberto Perez Xavier, Leandro Rocha de Oliveira, Leah E. Morgan
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous orogenic gold mineralization in the Klamath Mountains, California: Constraints from 40Ar/39Ar dating of hydrothermal muscovite Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous orogenic gold mineralization in the Klamath Mountains, California: Constraints from 40Ar/39Ar dating of hydrothermal muscovite

The Klamath Mountains gold province is the second most important historical producer in California, having produced more than 7 Moz of gold from both lode and placer sources. Hydrothermal muscovite grains from gold-bearing veins provide the first 40Ar/39Ar age constraints indicative of a protracted period of mineralization in the Klamath Mountains. The data indicate that the window for...
Authors
Ryan D. Taylor, Leah E. Morgan, Fred Jourdan, Thomas Monecke, Erin E. Marsh, Richard J. Goldfarb
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Mark, D.F., P.R. Renne, R. Dymock, V.C. Smith, J.I. SImon, L.E. Morgan, R.A. Staff, and B.S. Ellis, 2017. High-precision 40Ar/39Ar dating of pleistocene tuffs and temporal anchoring of the Matuyama-Brunhes boundary. Quaternary Geochronology 39, 1-23, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2017.01.002.
Morgan, L.E., 2017. 40Ar/39Ar and K-Ar Geochronology, in: A.S. Gilbert (ed.), Encyclopedia of Geoarchaeology. Encyclopedia of Earth Science Series. Springer, Dordrecht, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-4409-0.
Morgan, L.E., 2015. Noble Gas Mass Spectrometry, in: W.J. Rink, and J.W. Thompson (eds.), Encyclopedia of Scientific Dating Methods. Encyclopedia of Earth Science Series. Springer, Dordrecht, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6304-3_118.
Sahle, Y., L.E. Morgan, D.R. Braun, W.K. Hutchings, 2014. Chronological and behavioral contexts of the earliest Middle Stone Age in the Gademotta Formation, Main Ethiopian Rift, Quaternary International, v. 331, p. 6-19, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2013.03.010.
Mark, D.F., M. Petraglia, V.C. Smith, L.E. Morgan, D.N. Barfod, B.S Ellis, N.J. Pearce, J.N. Pal, R. Korisettar, 2014. A high-precision 40Ar/39Ar age for the Young Toba Tuff and dating of ultra- distal tephra: forcing of Quaternary climate and implications for hominin occupation of India, Quaternary Geochronology, v. 21, p. 90-103, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2012.12.004.
Sahle, Y., W.K. Hutchings, D.R. Braun, J.C. Sealy, L.E. Morgan, A. Negash, B. Atnafu, 2013. Earliest stone-tipped projectiles from the Ethiopian Rift date to >279,000 years ago. PLOS ONE, v. 8, no. 11, e78092, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0078092.
Morgan, L.E., D.F. Mark, J. Imlach, D.N. Barfod, 2013. FCs-EK: A new sampling of the Fish Canyon tuff 40Ar/39Ar neutron flux monitor, in: Jourdan, F., Mark, D., and Verati, C. (eds.), Advances in 40Ar/39Ar Dating: from Archaeology to Planetary Sciences. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 378, https://doi.org/10.1144/SP378.21.
Renne, P.R., A.L. Deino, F.J. Hilgen, K.F. Kuiper, D.F. Mark, W.S. Mitchell, L.E. Morgan, R. Mundil, J. Smit, 2013. Timescales of critical events around the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. Science, v. 339, p. 684-687, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1230492.
Schoene, B., D.J. Condon, L.E. Morgan, N. McLean, 2013. Precision and accuracy in geochronology. Elements Magazine, v.9, no.1, p. 23-28, http://elementsmagazine.org/past-issue-archive/2013-volume-9/#February2013.
Renne, P.R., S.R. Mulcahy, W.S. Cassata,, L.E. Morgan, S.P. Kelley, L. Hlusko, J. Njau, 2012. Retention of inherited Ar by alkali feldspar xenocrysts in a magma: Kinetic constraints from Ba zoning profiles. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 93, p. 129-142, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2012.06.029.
Morgan, L.E., P.R. Renne, R. Galotti, G. Kieffer, M. Piperno, J.-P. Raynal, 2012. A chronological framework for a long and persistent archeological record: Melka Kunture, Ethiopia. Journal of Human Evolution, v. 62, no. 1, p. 104-115, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhevol.2011.10.007.
Frost, S.R., H.L. Schwartz, L. Giemsch, L.E. Morgan, P.R. Renne, M. Wildgoose, C. Saanane, F. Schrenk, K. Harvati, 2012. Refined age estimates and paleoanthropological investigation of the Manyara Beds, Tanzania. Journal of Anthropological Sciences, v. 90, p. 151-161, https://doi.org/10.4436/jass.90001.
Schwartz, H., P.R. Renne, L.E. Morgan, M.M. Wildgoose, P.C. Lippert, S.R. Frost, K. Harvati, F. Schrenk, C. Saanane, 2012. Geochronology of the Manyara Beds, northern Tanzania: stratigraphy and new magnetostratigraphy and 40Ar/39Ar ages. Quaternary Geochronology, v. 7, no. 1, p. 48-66, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2011.09.002.
Morgan, L.E., O. Postma, K.F. Kuiper, D.F. Mark, W. van der Plas, S. Davidson, M. Perkin, I. Villa, J.R. Wijbrans, 2011. A metrological approach to measuring 40Ar* concentrations in K-Ar and 40Ar/39Ar mineral standards, Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., v. 12, p. A0AA20, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011GC003719.
Renne, P.R., A.L. Deino, W.E. Hames, M.T. Heizler, S.R. Hemming, K.V. Hodges, A.A.P. Koppers, D.F. Mark, L.E. Morgan, D. Phillips, B.S. Singer, B.D. Turrin, I.M. Villa, M. Villeneuve and J.R. Wijbrans, 2009. Data reporting norms for 40Ar/39Ar geochronology. Quaternary Geochronology, v. 4, no. 5, p. 346-352, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2009.06.005.
Renne, P.R., W.S. Cassata, and L.E. Morgan, 2009. The isotopic composition of atmospheric argon and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology: time for a change? Quaternary Geochronology, v. 4, no. 4, p. 288-298, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2009.02.015.
Renne, P. R., L.E. Morgan, G. WoldeGabriel, W.K. Hart, Y. Haile-Selassie, and T.D. White, 2009. 40Ar/39Ar Ages of the Middle Awash Late Miocene, in: Haile-Selassie, Y., and WoldeGabriel, G. (eds.), Ardipithecus kadabba: Late Miocene evidence from the Middle Awash, Ethiopia. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.
Morgan, L.E., P.R. Renne, R.E. Taylor, and G. WoldeGabriel, 2009. Archaeological age constraints from eruption ages of obsidian: Examples from the Middle Awash, Ethiopia. Quaternary Geochronology, v. 4, p. 193-203, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quageo.2009.01.001.
Morgan, L.E. and P.R. Renne, 2008. Diachronous Dawn of Africa’s Middle Stone Age: New 40Ar/39Ar ages from the Ethiopian Rift. Geology, v. 36, no. 12, p. 967-970, https://doi.org/10.1130/G25213A.1.
Gihring, T.M., L.-H. Lin, M. Davidson, T.C. Onstott, L. Morgan, M. Milleson, T.L. Kieft, E. Trimarco, D.L. Balkwill, and M.E. Dollhopf, 2006. The Distribution of Microbial Taxa in the Subsurface Water of the Kalahari Shield, South Africa. Geomicrobiology Journal, v. 23, p. 415-430, https://doi.org/10.1080/01490450600875696.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Decorative banner image of Color cathodoluminescence (CL) image of zircons

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.
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
USGS Geochron: A database of USGS geochronological and thermochronological data

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.
Learn More
large piece of equipment for argon extraction system and mass spectrometer

Argon Geochronology

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...
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Argon Geochronology

Argon Geochronology

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...
Learn More
Mt. Ouray, Colorado with aspen colors

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project conducts 1:24,000- to 1:100,000-scale geologic mapping to support framework geologic investigations. The IMW project is prioritizing development of a seamless, integrated geologic map database in targeted areas of the Intermountain West region of the United States that host substantial mineral, energy, water, and industrial material...
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West

The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project conducts 1:24,000- to 1:100,000-scale geologic mapping to support framework geologic investigations. The IMW project is prioritizing development of a seamless, integrated geologic map database in targeted areas of the Intermountain West region of the United States that host substantial mineral, energy, water, and industrial material...
Learn More
USGS science for a changing world logo

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...
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Community for Data Integration (CDI)
Serving the U.S. Geological Survey’s geochronological data

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 proj
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Filter Total Items: 28

Argon data for samples from Kenya and Ethiopia Argon data for samples from Kenya and Ethiopia

Ar/Ar data are for 12 samples that record the eruption age of tephra. The geochronology provides time constraints for the ages of tephra and interbedded sediments and fossils from Kenya and Ethiopia. Samples were collected by Erin Dimaggio (Pennsylvania State University), who brought them to the USGS Denver Argon Geochronology Laboratory for Ar/Ar analysis. Samples were analyzed in...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

USGS Geochron: Data Compilation Templates (2.0, June 2025) USGS Geochron: Data Compilation Templates (2.0, June 2025)

USGS Geochron is a database of geochronological and thermochronological dates and data. The USGS Geochron: Data Compilation Templates data release hosts Microsoft Excel-based data compilation templates for the USGS Geochron database. Geochronological and thermochronological methods currently archived in the USGS Geochron database include radiocarbon, cosmogenic (10Be, 26Al, 3He), fission...
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Argon Data for samples from the Elkhead and Rabbit Ears Mountains, northern Colorado, USA Argon Data for samples from the Elkhead and Rabbit Ears Mountains, northern Colorado, USA

This dataset accompanies the planned publication “Mantle Melting in Regions of Thick Continental Lithosphere-Examples from Late Cretaceous and Younger Volcanic Rocks, Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado” in the journal Geosphere. The dataset includes 40Ar/39Ar data for 19 samples from the Rabbit Ears volcanic field and from the Elkhead Mountains in northcentral Colorado, USA. Samples were...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

U-Pb detrital zircon data and Ar feldspar data from middle Cenozoic sandstones and volcanic tuffs from southern Nevada, USA U-Pb detrital zircon data and Ar feldspar data from middle Cenozoic sandstones and volcanic tuffs from southern Nevada, USA

This Data Release accompanies the publication, "Paleogene sedimentary basin development in southern Nevada, USA" by Lundstern and others (2024) in the journal Lithosphere. Included here are U-Pb detrital zircon and Ar/Ar feldspar geochronologic data for middle Cenozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks collected by Jens-Erik Lundstern and Theresa M. Schwartz in several parts of southern...
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Argon data for enriched MORB from the 8°20' N seamount chain Argon data for enriched MORB from the 8°20' N seamount chain

This dataset accompanies planned publication 'Near-Ridge Magmatism Constrained Using 40Ar/39Ar Dating of Enriched MORB from the 8°20' N Seamount Chain'. The Ar/Ar data are for samples that record the volcanic history of the area. The geochronology provides time constraints for the eruption of rocks studied in the manuscript. Samples were collected from the 8°20' N seamount chain by Molly...
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Quetrupillán Volcanic Complex, southern Chile: Argon age data and Pb, Sr, and Nd isotopic data Quetrupillán Volcanic Complex, southern Chile: Argon age data and Pb, Sr, and Nd isotopic data

This dataset accompanies planned publication 'Lava-ice interactions at late Pleistocene trachyte-basaltic andesite fissure eruptions, Quetrupillán Volcanic Complex (39°30′ S, 71°43′ W), southern Chile', as well as planned future publications on this volcanic complex. The Ar/Ar data and the Pb, Sr, and Nd data are for basalt and trachyte lava flows at Quetrupillán volcano. The Ar...
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver Radiogenic Isotope Lab

USGS Geochron: A Database of Geochronological and Thermochronological Dates and Data (ver. 4.0, May 2025) USGS Geochron: A Database of Geochronological and Thermochronological Dates and Data (ver. 4.0, May 2025)

USGS Geochron is a database of geochronological and thermochronological dates and data. The data set contains published ages, dates, analytical information, sample metadata including location, and source citations. The following analytical techniques are represented in the data set: 40Ar/39Ar, K-Ar, U-Th-Pb, Sm-Nd, Rb-Sr, Lu-Hf, fission track, luminescence, U-series, (U-Th)/He, Re-Os...
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Community for Data Integration (CDI), Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Database for the geologic map of the upper Santa Cruz River basin, southern Arizona Database for the geologic map of the upper Santa Cruz River basin, southern Arizona

This digital publication contains the database, base maps, and style files used to build the geologic map of the upper Santa Cruz River basin in southern Arizona published in U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3490 (Page and others, 2023). Shapefiles are also included for the user’s convenience. In the database, there are polygon features outlining the map units and...
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Argon data for HD-B1 intercalibration Argon data for HD-B1 intercalibration

This data release includes 40Ar/39Ar intercalibration data from the U.S. Geological Survey for neutron fluence monitors HD-B1 (Heidelberg biotite) and FCs (Fish Canyon sanidine). Potassium-bearing mineral grains were analyzed by argon geochronology at the U.S. Geological Survey Argon Geochronology Laboratory in Denver, Colorado. These data provide intercalibration information between the...
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Argon data for Santa Cruz Basin (ver. 1.1, November 2022) Argon data for Santa Cruz Basin (ver. 1.1, November 2022)

This data release includes 40Ar/39Ar data from the U.S. Geological Survey for samples from the Santa Cruz Basin, Arizona. Mineral samples were collected by Kenzie Turner and William Page from the upper Santa Cruz Basin, Arizona. Potassium-bearing mineral grains were separated from the bulk sample and analyzed by argon geochronology at the U.S. Geological Survey Argon Geochronology...
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Argon data for Hugub Area, Kesem-Kebena-Dulecha, Ethiopia Argon data for Hugub Area, Kesem-Kebena-Dulecha, Ethiopia

Tephra samples were collected by Leah Morgan (now at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)) from the Hugub Area, Kesem-Kebena-Dulecha, Afar, Ethiopia. Sanidine grains were separated from the bulk sample and analyzed by argon geochronology at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, Scotland. The data indicate that the age of the Hugub Bed, which is rich in archarological...
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Argon data for Klamath Mountains Argon data for Klamath Mountains

This dataset accompanies planned publication '40Ar/39Ar geochronology of hydrothermal activity related to orogenic gold mineralization in the Klamath Mountains, California, U.S.A.'. The Ar/Ar data are for samples that record the mineralization of the area. The geochronology provides time constraints for the mineralization studied in the manuscript. Samples were collected from the Klamath...
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Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Geologic map and hydrogeologic investigations of the upper Santa Cruz River basin, southern Arizona Geologic map and hydrogeologic investigations of the upper Santa Cruz River basin, southern Arizona

This report includes an updated geologic map and cross sections of the upper Santa Cruz River basin, southern Arizona. The map and cross sections describe the geometry, thickness, and structure of the Miocene to Holocene units which form the main aquifers in the basin. The report also includes results of new hydrogeologic studies including (1) mapping and defining depth to bedrock based...
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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic map of the Poncha Pass area, Chaffee, Fremont, and Saguache Counties, Colorado Geologic map of the Poncha Pass area, Chaffee, Fremont, and Saguache Counties, Colorado

This report presents a 1:24,000-scale geologic map, cross sections, and descriptive and interpretative text for the Poncha Pass area in central Colorado. The map area is irregular in shape, covering all of one 7 ½' quadrangle (Poncha Pass) and parts of five others (Mount Ouray, Maysville, Salida West, Salida East, and Wellsville). The map boundaries were drawn to cover all of the “Poncha...
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

Geologic map of the San Antonio Mountain area, northern New Mexico and southern Colorado Geologic map of the San Antonio Mountain area, northern New Mexico and southern Colorado

The geologic map of the San Antonio Mountain area in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado is located along the west-central part of the San Luis Valley. The San Luis Valley is the geomorphic expression of the San Luis Basin, an extensional basin associated with the northern Rio Grande rift. Deposits within the map area record volcanic, sedimentary, and tectonic processes over the...
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National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

USGS Geochron Database Explorer USGS Geochron Database Explorer

This Web Application is a tool for viewing, exploring, and downloading the "USGS Geochron: A Database of Geochronological and Thermochronological Dates and Data" Data Release.
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Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center
New online tool serves USGS geochronology data in state-of-the-art way

New online tool serves USGS geochronology data in state-of-the-art way

The U.S. Geological Survey has developed an updated, point and click web application for accessing a geochronology database with sample summary and...

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*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government

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