Noble Gas Geochronology

The Noble Gas Geochronology research group at the University of Melbourne specialises in high-precision 40Ar/39Ar dating of geological events (spanning thousands to billions of years). 40Ar/39Ar geochronology has a range of geological applications, including constraining the timing of magmatism, volcanism, deformation and tectonism.

Our current research focus is dating Plio-Pleistocene tuff sequences within the Turkana Basin, Kenya.  Other research focuses include 40Ar/39Ar flux monitor minerals, development of high precision 40Ar/39Ar methods for dating of young (basaltic) volcanoes, geochronology of kimberlites and related rocks, the timing of various ore mineralisation (e.g. gold) events, orogenesis (e.g. Cape Fold Belt) and detrital mineral provenance studies.

Group of 5 people sitting on a rocky outcrop, smiling at the camera

The Ar-Ar Laboratory, supported by AuScope, has been at the forefront of high-precision Ar-Ar geochronology, supported by our cutting-edge technology. We currently have 2 running ARGUSVI mass spectrometers and a VG3600 mass spectrometer.

Contact

For enquiries, please email Dr Hayden Dalton - argon-geochronology@unimelb.edu.au