Instrumentation development for In Situ 40Ar/39Ar planetary geochronology

Leah E. Morgan; Madicken Munk; Brett Davidheiser-Kroll; Nicholas H. Warner; Sanjeev Gupta; Rachel Slaybaugh; Patrick Harkness; Darren Mark

doi:10.1111/ggr.12170

USGS · 70188844

Instrumentation development for In Situ 40Ar/39Ar planetary geochronology

Leah E. Morgan·Madicken Munk·Brett Davidheiser-Kroll·Nicholas H. Warner·Sanjeev Gupta·Rachel Slaybaugh·Patrick Harkness·Darren Mark

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Abstract

The chronology of the Solar System, particularly the timing of formation of extra-terrestrial bodies and their features, is an outstanding problem in planetary science. Although various chronological methods for in situ geochronology have been proposed (e.g., Rb-Sr, K-Ar), and even applied (K-Ar), the reliability, accuracy, and applicability of the 40 Ar/ 39 Ar method makes it by far the most desirable chronometer for dating extra-terrestrial bodies. The method however relies on the neutron irradiation of samples, and thus a neutron source. Herein, we discuss the challenges and feasibility of deploying a passive neutron source to planetary surfaces for the in situ application of the 40 Ar/ 39 Ar chronometer. Requirements in generating and shielding neutrons, as well as analysing samples are described, along with an exploration of limitations such as mass, power and cost. Two potential solutions for the in situ extra-terrestrial deployment of the 40 Ar/ 39 Ar method are presented. Although this represents a challenging task, developing the technology to apply the 40 Ar/ 39 Ar method on planetary surfaces would represent a major advance towards constraining the timescale of solar system formation and evolution.

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Leah E. Morgan, Madicken Munk, Brett Davidheiser-Kroll, Nicholas H. Warner, Sanjeev Gupta, Rachel Slaybaugh, Patrick Harkness, Darren Mark. 2017-04-30. Instrumentation development for In Situ 40Ar/39Ar planetary geochronology. https://doi.org/10.1111/ggr.12170

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