The effects of secular disequilibrium on (U-Th)/He systematics and dating of Quaternary volcanic zircon and apatite

Abstract

The (U-Th)/He dating method applied to U-rich phases such as zircon and apatite has sufficient sensitivity and precision to be of potential use for dating relatively recent geologic events such as volcanic eruptions. However, in phases with crystallization ages less than ∼ 1 Ma, chemical fractionation within the 238U decay series may modify the He ingrowth rate, causing He ages computed from the secular equilibrium age equation to be incorrect. The resulting systematic error depends on the [230Th/238U] activity ratio of the dated phase when it is erupted, and on the eruption age. Zircons, which exclude Th relative to U, will likely have secular equilibrium He 'ages' that underestimate the er..