Simon Fraser University

Short Course – Applications of Terrestrial Cosmogenic Nuclides to Quaternary Studies.
Dr. John Gosse (Dalhousie University)

Sunday May 3rd, 2009


Terrestrial Cosmogenic Nuclide (TCN) studies are revolutionizing Quaternary research by allowing burial times to be estimated, erosion rates to be calculated and surfaces to be dated beyond the limit of radiocarbon analysis. This one day session will introduce the concepts and procedures involved in TCN work.


Tentative Schedule
  • Overview of the technique and applications (30 minutes)
  • Basic cosmic ray physics and TCN production rate systematics (60 minutes)
  • Nuclide/rock choices, general sampling strategies, basic chemistry (60 minutes)
  • Single nuclide exposure dating of landforms (60 minutes)
  • Multiple nuclide exposure histories and burial dating (30 minutes)
  • Depth profiles in alluvium (30 mintues)
  • Erosion of landforms, catchment wide average denudation, paleo-sediment yields (30 minutes)
  • Discussion, other applications
  • Short problem solving sessions will occur throughout the course