Cosmogenic Nuclides Principles, Concepts and Applications in the Earth Surface Sciences

This is the first book to provide a comprehensive and state-of-the-art introduction to the novel and fast-evolving topic of in-situ produced cosmogenic nuclides. It presents an accessible introduction to the theoretical foundations, with explanations of relevant concepts starting at a basic level and building in sophistication. It incorporates, and draws on, methodological discussions and advances achieved within the international CRONUS (Cosmic-Ray Produced Nuclide Systematics) networks. Practical aspects such as sampling, analytical methods and data-interpretation are discussed in detail and an essential sampling checklist is provided. The full range of cosmogenic isotopes is covered and a wide spectrum of in-situ applications are described and illustrated with specific and generic examples of exposure dating, burial dating, erosion and uplift rates, and process model verification. Graduate students and experienced practitioners will find this book a vital source of information on the background concepts and practical applications in geomorphology, geography, soil-science, and geology.

1. Cosmic rays; 2. Cosmogenic nuclides; 3. Production rates and scaling factors; 4. Application of cosmogenic nuclides to Earth surface sciences; Appendix A. Sampling checklist; Appendix B. Reporting of cosmogenic nuclide data; References; Index.

Tibor Dunai is a Reader in Geomorphology at the University of Edinburgh and has extensive research experience in the field of cosmogenic nuclides and their applications to Earth sciences. He was the initiator and coordinator of CRONUS-EU and is on the steering committee of CRONUS-Earth, and his methodological work on cosmogenic nuclide production has been fundamental to the research of these networks. Dr Dunai has taught at several specialist training workshops, and organized the CRONUS-EU summer school on methodology and Earth science applications of cosmogenic nuclides. This book stems from these training events and is designed to address the expressed requirements of the participants, who included experienced practitioners as well as novices to the technique.