Cosmogenic Dating of Geomorphic Surfaces
Two major geomorphic problems in landscape regions characterized by a dominance of erosion over sedimentation are establishing the ages of geomorphic surfaces and measuring erosion rates. Before the advent of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) techniques capable of measuring in site produced cosmogony isotopes in rocks, and in some instances regolith, many such measurements were indirect and were capable only of producing relative ages and erosion rates.
Core drilling for AMS samples, Hazelton 7.5' Quadrangle, Pennsylvania
A number of sites critical for the resolution of longstanding geomorphic problems in the central and southern Appalachians have well-exposed, high-standing target rocks with mineral compositions ideal for the production of cosmogenic isotopes. For example, such sites include localities where effective exposure ages for ancient glaciations can be modelled, sites where the formation times of periglacial features can be ascertained, and ridge crest areas where averaged erosion rates can be determined.
Stack Rock, Allegheny Front, West Virginia.
G. Michael Clark
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
1412 Circle Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-1410
Phone: (865) 974-6006
Email: clarkgmorph@utk.edu