An evidence-based approach to accurate interpretation of 40Ar/39Ar ages from basaltic rocks

Abstract

Since its inception in the mid-1960s, the 40Ar/39Ar dating technique has been the premier method for determining the eruption ages of basaltic rocks, providing valuable insights into a plethora of terrestrial and planetary processes. Advances in multi-collector mass spectrometry and improved sample preparation procedures are enabling ever-improving analytical precision and clearer evaluation of the isotopic disturbances that affect many basaltic samples and cause discordant 40Ar/39Ar age spectra. Here, we present 40Ar/39Ar step-heating data for multiple samples from two Quaternary basalt flows (0.8038 ± 0.0017 and 2.309 ± 0.009 Ma) of the intraplate Newer Volcanic Province, southeast Austral..