Quantitative Thermochronology: Numerical Methods for the Interpretation of Thermochronological Data

by Jean Braun, Peter van der Beek, Geoffrey Batt

Overview

Thermochronology, the study of the thermal history of rocks, enables us to quantify the nature and timing of tectonic processes. First published in 2006, Quantitative Thermochronology is a robust review of isotopic ages, and presents a range of numerical modeling techniques to allow the physical implications of isotopic age data to be explored. The authors provide analytical, semi-analytical and numerical solutions to the heat transfer equation in a range of tectonic settings and under varying boundary conditions. They then illustrate their modeling approach built around a large number of case studies. The benefits of different thermochronological techniques are also described. Computer programs on an accompanying website at www.cambridge.org/9781107407152 are introduced through the text and provide a means of solving the heat transport equation in the deforming Earth to predict the ages of rocks and compare them directly to geological and geochronological data. Several short tutorials, with hints and solutions, are also included.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521830577
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/04/2006
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x 0.63(d)

About the Author

Dr Geoff Batt works as a Senior Research Fellow in thermochronological techniques and applications at the University of Western Australia and the John de Laeter Centre of Mass Spectrometry. He also regularly turns his energy and enthusiasm to encouraging people to think about their natural environment in new ways, inspiring and promoting interest in Earth Science through public outreach activities.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. Basics of thermochronology; 3. Thermochronological systems; 4. General heat transport equation; 5. Thermal effect of exhumation; 6. Steady-state two-dimensional heat transport; 7. General transient solution; 8. Inverse methods; 9. Detrital thermochronology; 10. Lateral advection of material; 11. Lithopheric flexure; 12. The evolution of passive margin escarpments; 13. Thermochronology in active tectonic settings; Appendices; References; Index.