<p>Iron oxide (U-Th)/He geochronology, a significant component of low-temperature thermochronology, has demonstrated noteworthy accomplishments in geological dating, paleoclimate exploration, landform evolution, and fault activity analysis in recent years. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the technique’s historical development, fundamental principles, recent advancements, and extensive applications. Since its initial application in 1908, this technique has undergone a transformation, evolving from preliminary endeavors to a state of maturity and widespread utilization. Magnetite, hematite, and goethite, among other minerals, have been identified as the preferred materials for (U-Th)/He dating due to their capacity to retain helium atoms over extended geological timescales. It plays a crucial role in studying fault activity, paleofluid circulation, and paleoenvironmental changes, providing an important temporal framework for understanding Earth dynamics and paleoclimate variations. However, researchers have recognized that uranium loss and helium diffusion may affect dating accuracy, leading to the adoption of techniques such as the multi-aliquot method to improve precision. Simultaneously, in-depth research on helium diffusion mechanisms has promoted the development of this technique. In consideration of the ongoing advancements in experimental techniques and analytical methods, it is anticipated that iron oxide (U-Th)/He dating will demonstrate its potential in a variety of disciplines in earth sciences. Specifically, the application of this dating method in the fields of fault dating and the study of Martian paleoenvironments, is expected to be a significant development. The utilization of this technique will facilitate a more comprehensive investigation of Earth’s early history, plate tectonic evolution, and planetary surface processes. Furthermore, the integration of this method with other disciplines and dating techniques is predicted to generate a wide range of new opportunities for research and development.</p>

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Advances in iron oxide (U-Th)/He geochronology: Research progress, issues, and challenges

  • Ying Wang,
  • Huiping Zhang,
  • Dewen Zheng

摘要

Iron oxide (U-Th)/He geochronology, a significant component of low-temperature thermochronology, has demonstrated noteworthy accomplishments in geological dating, paleoclimate exploration, landform evolution, and fault activity analysis in recent years. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the technique’s historical development, fundamental principles, recent advancements, and extensive applications. Since its initial application in 1908, this technique has undergone a transformation, evolving from preliminary endeavors to a state of maturity and widespread utilization. Magnetite, hematite, and goethite, among other minerals, have been identified as the preferred materials for (U-Th)/He dating due to their capacity to retain helium atoms over extended geological timescales. It plays a crucial role in studying fault activity, paleofluid circulation, and paleoenvironmental changes, providing an important temporal framework for understanding Earth dynamics and paleoclimate variations. However, researchers have recognized that uranium loss and helium diffusion may affect dating accuracy, leading to the adoption of techniques such as the multi-aliquot method to improve precision. Simultaneously, in-depth research on helium diffusion mechanisms has promoted the development of this technique. In consideration of the ongoing advancements in experimental techniques and analytical methods, it is anticipated that iron oxide (U-Th)/He dating will demonstrate its potential in a variety of disciplines in earth sciences. Specifically, the application of this dating method in the fields of fault dating and the study of Martian paleoenvironments, is expected to be a significant development. The utilization of this technique will facilitate a more comprehensive investigation of Earth’s early history, plate tectonic evolution, and planetary surface processes. Furthermore, the integration of this method with other disciplines and dating techniques is predicted to generate a wide range of new opportunities for research and development.