Infopaket

Isotope Geochronology Methods

ОК 4

Обов’язкова дисципліна для ОП

Second

2020/2021

1 Semester

4

Knowledge of the radioactive decay laws, the formula for calculating of isotopic age and the conditions of their application. Knowledge of the peculiarities of the use of different isotopic systems. Ability to calculate the isotopic age of the Rb-Sr system by the isochronous method. Ability to calculate the isotopic age of U-Pb by the Ahrens-Weserill method.

Full-time form

Possession of basic knowledge in the field of general physics, mineralogy and petrography.

This course provides students with knowledge about the purpose, objectives and practical skills of various isotopic and related methods for determining the age of geological formations and processes. The following topics are covered: 1. The meaning and features of the concept of time in geology. 2. The evolution of ideas about the age of the Earth. 3. Subject and methods of isotopic geochronology. 4. The law of radioactive decay. Basic formulas for calculating age. 5. K-Ar, Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Re-Os, Lu-Hf methods for determining age. 6. U-Th-Pb method and its modifications. 7. Other methods of determining age (track, by specific activity, nonequilibrium methods).

Lectures, consultations, personal independent student work.

Semester assessment: - control work on the calculation of age by isochronous method - max 30 points (min 18 points); - control work on age calculation by the Ahrens-Weserill method - max 30 points (min 18 points); Final assessment in the form of a written and oral exam (final assessment in the form of an exam is mandatory) A student is not allowed to take the exam if he / she scored less than 36 points during the semester. The grade for the exam cannot be less than 24 points to get an overall positive grade for the course. Final grade (max 100 / min 60) = semester grade (max 60 / min 36) + exam (max 40 / min 24)

Ukrainian