Instrumentation development for planetary in situ 40Ar/39Ar geochronology

Morgan, L. E., Munk, M., Davidheiser-Kroll, B., Warner, N. H., Gupta, S., Slaybaugh, R., Harkness, P. and Mark, D. F. (2017) Instrumentation development for planetary in situ 40Ar/39Ar geochronology. Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, 41(3), pp. 381-396. (doi: 10.1111/ggr.12170)

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Abstract

The chronology of the Solar System, particularly the timing of formation of extra-terrestrial bodies and their features, is a major outstanding problem in planetary science. Although various chronological methods for in situ geochronology have been proposed (e.g., Rb-Sr, K-Ar), and even applied (K-Ar), the reliability, accuracy, and applicability of the 40Ar/39Ar method makes it by far the most desirable chronometer for dating extra-terrestrial bodies. The method however relies on the neutron irradiation of samples, and thus a neutron source. Herein, we discuss the challenges and feasibility of deploying a passive neutron source to planetary surfaces for the in situ application of the 40Ar/39Ar chronometer. Requirements in generating and shielding neutrons, as well as analysing samples are described, along with an exploration of limitations such as mass, power and cost. Two potential solutions for the in situ extra-terrestrial deployment of the 40Ar/39Ar method are presented. Although this represents a challenging task, developing the technology to apply the 40Ar/39Ar method on planetary surfaces would represent a major advance towards constraining the timescale of solar system formation and evolution.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:STFC/UKSA award ST/M000036/1 to Prof Darren Mark at SUERC
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Morgan, Dr Leah and Mark, Professor Darren and Harkness, Professor Patrick
Authors: Morgan, L. E., Munk, M., Davidheiser-Kroll, B., Warner, N. H., Gupta, S., Slaybaugh, R., Harkness, P., and Mark, D. F.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
Journal Name:Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1639-4488
ISSN (Online):1751-908X
Published Online:20 March 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research 41(3):381-396
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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