ARGON-POTASSIUM AGES AND THE ISOTOPIC COMPOSITION OF ARGON FROM METEORITES

Journal Article · Tue Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1957 · Astrophysical Journal (U.S.)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/146453· OSTI ID:4338535

Geiss, J; Hess, D C

The potassium and argon contents of 13 meteorites were measured by the isotopic dilution method. It is proved that the amounts of Ar/sup 36/ and Ar/sup 38/ found are of extra-terrestrial origin, the main source being spallation processes induced by cosmic radiation. In some chondrites an excess of A/sup 36/ compared to Ar/sup 38/ was found. Possible sources for this Ar/sup 36/ are discussed. The 7 chondrites measured give ages between 4.4 x 10/sup 9/ and 4.0 x 10/sup 9/ years. The ages of achondrites vary be4.4 x 10/sup 9/ and 0.7 x 10/sup 9/ years. (auth)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Chicago; Argonne National Lab., Lemont, Ill.
• NSA Number: NSA-12-011516
• OSTI ID: 4338535
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal (U.S.), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 127, No. 1; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

AGE ESTIMATION
ARGON
ARGON 36
ARGON 38
ASTROPHYSICS
EARTH
INTERACTIONS
MEASURED VALUES
METEORITES
PHYSICS
POTASSIUM
RADIATIONS
SPACE
SPALLATION