Name: Burke J. Minsley
PHYS 593 faculty mentor: Professor D. Elmore

Title of Project: A comparison of surface exposure. Ages in volcanic rhyolytes and andesites using different radioactive isotopes.

Abstract of Project

Accelerator Mass Spectrometry dating methods have become the premier method for determining the age of geological land forms. Though this technique is used frequently, it is certainly not an exact science. This project will examine the difference between surface exposure ages that are obtained using different radioactive isotopes such as aluminum, chlorine, and beryllium.

These elements are contained in various rock types, but in particular I will consider volcanic rbyolites and andesites. Both rock types rose to the Earth's surface simultaneously in a lava dome in southern Bolivia. Because they became exposed at the same time, these samples will have the same surface exposure time, and consequently, should give concurrent exposure ages