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K‐Ar dating: Addition of atmospheric argon on rock surfaces from crushing
Author(s) -
Keeling David L.,
Naughton John J.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl001i001p00043
Subject(s) - argon , basalt , gabbro , geology , mineralogy , geochemistry , chemistry , organic chemistry
The amount of atmospheric argon uptake from crushing rock samples in air was measured for an alkalic and tholeiitic basalt, basaltic glass, and a gabbro, to evaluate its importance as a limitation in K‐Ar dating. A small decrease in air argon was sometimes observed as a result of initial crushing and/or mild acid treatments. Argon was acquired in significant quantities only in the sizes smaller than 250 mesh (63µ), and the amount was related to the surface area but it apparently was not held by simple adsorption. The use of crushed samples as opposed to large chunks or blocks for dating young rocks is suggested.