Tracing quartz through the environment

Abstract

Quartz, SiO2, a pure mineral with tight crystal structure, is widespread in rocks and soil. Cosmic rays produce10Be (t1/2=1·5×106, yr) and26Al (t1/2=7·05×105 yr) in quartz exposed at or near the earth's surface. The use of accelerator mass spectrometry permits measurement of these nuclides in samples exposed at sea level for typical periods. In situ production makes interpretation relatively straightforward. Potential applications include age determination, measurement of erosion and deposition rates, and use as a tracer for continental weathering processes. © 1985 Indian Academy of Sciences.