Cosmic-ray-produced nuclide systematics on Earth – The European contribution

CRONUS-EU

Terrestrial cosmogenic nuclides (TCN; e.g. ³He, ²¹Ne) are produced by nuclear interactions of cosmic ray particles with rocks on the surface of the Earth and can be used for a variety of applications in geology and geomorphology, such as dating of surface features (e.g., lava flows, moraines, landslides) and determination of erosion rates. The main objective of the joint work programme of nine European institutions is to advance TCN techniques in Europe into a robust tool for Earth surface and environmental sciences. In doing this CRONUS-EU is training a community of future high quality scientists required to develop and apply the techniques for the benefit of European science and society. The consortium will develop TCNs into an accurate absolute chronometer for use in solving a wide range of challenges. The ultimate goal is the development of an internationally accepted protocol allowing accurate age determinations that are consistent with the mature geochronometers currently available. The main GFZ contribution is an intercalibration of the production rates of various TCN in several minerals, e.g. ²¹Ne, ¹⁰Be and ²⁶Al in quartz as well as 3He and 21Ne in quartz, olivine and pyroxene.


 

• Contact:  Dr. Samuel Niedermann

• More about CRONUS-EU