Principles of Radiometric Dating

Radiogenic isotope geochemistry is an active area of research dealing with absolute and quantitative dating of geological and other natural processes. This volume presents the background theory of nuclear transmutations and nucleosynthesis to explain natural radioactivity and geochronometry, illustrated through numerous case studies highlighting recent research work. The principles and insights behind radiometric dating tools are clearly explained, providing insights into the chemical evolution of meteorites and the Earth through geologic time. Practical sample analysis and data interpretation techniques, such as mass spectrometry and error analysis, are described - enabling readers to conduct their own effective analyses of radiogenic isotope data. This coherent and timely exposition provides a convenient reference text for advanced students and researchers in isotope geology and across the Earth and planetary sciences.