Geology 342 - Sem: Uranium

Uranium (U) series dating has revolutionized our understanding of geologic time. U and its radiogenic daughters, like lead (Pb) and Thorium (Th), have provided us with dates for events as disparate as the formation of our solar system and the rise and fall of sea level in response to geologically recent climate and tectonic events. This seminar will survey the U-Pb, Th-Pb, and Pb-Pb methods; the common lead method; U/Th series disequilibria; and fission track dating. We may also cover Plutonium production and the mining and enrichment of Uranium for nuclear power and weapons. This seminar will meet most Friday afternoons.

Prereq: Two courses from the Geology department and permission of instructor.