In situ-produced cosmogenic krypton in zircon and its potential for Earth surface applications

Abstract

Analysis of cosmogenic nuclides produced in surface rocks and sediments is a valuable tool for assessing the rates of processes and the timing of events that shaped the Earth surface. The various nuclides that are used have specific advantages and limitations that depend on the time range over which they are useful, the type of material they are produced in and not least the feasibility of the analytical effort. Anticipating novel applications in Earth surface sciences, we develop in situ-produced terrestrial cosmogenic krypton (Krit) as a new tool, the motivation being the availability of six stable and one radioactive isotope (81Kr, half-life 229ĝ€¯kyr) and of an extremely weathering-resistant target mineral (zircon). We provide proof of principle that terrestrial Krit can be quantified and used to unravel Earth surface processes.