Thermochronology and Tectonics

Aim and Content

Thermochronological dating techniques, such as fission-track and (U-Th)/He dating, provide important data that can help to resolve thermal and exhumation histories of young orogens as well as of passive continental margins. They are also used to better constrain the thermal history of sedimentary basins and as such they are important for the petroleum industry. This course provides both, the theoretical background of low-temperature thermochronology as well as a wide range of practical exercises and hands-on dating in our fission-track laboratory.

A wide range of case studies will be presented. The students will participate in the presentation of the case studies.

Principle course components include:

• Fission-track and (U-Th)/He dating techniques, theoretical background
• Sampling strategies
• Mineral separation and preparation (practical exercise)
• Fission-track analysis on selected samples (practical exercises)
• Thermal history modelling
• Presentations and discussion of case studies (Antarctica, Andes, Canadian Shield, North Sea, Scandinavia, Apennines, Australia and others)

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course GEOV341, the students should be able to:

• plan a thermochronology project;
• separate suitable minerals from samples;
• prepare mineral separates for dating, including preparation for the irradiation;
• conduct apatite fission-track analysis and track length measurement;
• conduct thermal history modelling;
• present and discuss research results

Course offered (semester)

Every second autumn. Runs 2012.

Language of Instruction

English if english-speaking students attend the seminars, otherwise Norwegian

Pre-requirements

Advanced structural geology

Grading Scale

Passed/ failed

Contact Information

Student adviser, Department of Earth Science, e-mail: studiekonsulent@geo.uib.no