Nuclear Methods of Dating (Solid Earth Sciences Library, 5)

Reference and daily handbook for scientist and students. The work does not treat the matter of isotopic geochemistry in general but rather concentrates of the more complete and practical guide to dating methods. Geological considerations constraining the use of chronometers are explained, and a discussion of the age of Earth is presented. Chapters are arranged as far as possible in the order of half-life of the isotopes whose decay serves as the basis of measurement, present the possibilities and limitations of the different dating methods, along with the relevant analytical techniques and the preferred range of application. Classical methos are mentioned but a large amount is devoted to the most recent, based on cosmogenic isotopes, that enable the historical and geological time scales to be bridged.