Planetary Science Seminar spring-2018
Using zircon (U-Th)/He thermochronometry and thermal history modeling to constrain impact histories - an example from lunar impact melt breccia 14311
April 19, 2018,
noon - 1 p.m.
Slichter 3853
Presented By:
Nigel Kelly
University of Colorado
Ongoing developments in our understanding of the behavior of low-temperature chronometers, coupled with our ability to model this behavior, has presented new opportunities to characterize the thermal histories of samples from the Moon, Mars and elsewhere in the Solar System. Using an example from lunar impact melt breccia 14311, I will demonstrate the utility of zircon (U-Th)/He thermochronometry in sampling lower energy impact events on the moon and other planetary bodies, and how thermal history modeling may provide constraints on the temperatures experienced by samples during impact events. When integrated with higher temperature chronometers such as U-Pb in zircon, these techniques allow a longer and more complete impact history to be teased from these complex rock samples. The talk will cover the basics of the technique, future possibilities, and limitations on application to non-terrestrial samples.