U–Pb dating of speleothems from Spannagel Cave,Austrian Alps: A high resolution comparison with U–series ages

U–Pb dating is increasingly used to date speleothems that are too old for precise U–Th disequilibrium dating; however there is little data that can independently validate its application to such material. This study presents U–Pb ages for speleothems from the Spannagel Cave in the Austrian Alps including a detailed comparison with U–Th ages from an unusually U–rich sample that yields precise ages by both methods. Sample SPA4 is a flowstone with three growth phases separated by distinct hiatuses. For the youngest growth phase the U–Pb and U–Th ages are 267 ± 1 ka and 267 ± 5 ka respectively; the middle growth phase is 291 ± 1 versus 295 ± 11 ka while for the oldest growth phase a single sub-sample, assuming the same initial Pb composition as for the younger phases, yields an age of 340 ± 2 ka compared to 353 ± 9 ka by U–Th. Correlation of these ages with the marine isotope stages confirms that these speleothems grew during glacial stages as suggested by previous work on the same sample. Sample SPA 15 has U–Th isotopic compositions indistinguishable from secular equilibrium; the U–Pb data on the main growth phase of this sample give an age of 551 ± 10 ka, whereas a single analysis from the oldest phase suggests it may be on the order of 40 ka older. This detailed comparison of U–Pb and U–Th ages provides important support for the potential validity of the U–Pb method in older samples beyond the range of U–Th.     

Zircon U–Pb dating of Pubei granite and strontium isotope from sphalerite of the Xinhua Pb–Zn–(Ag) deposit,Yunkai Area of Guangxi Province,South China

The Yunkai Area is located at the southern South China Block and is part of the Qinzhou Bay-Hangzhou Bay Metallogenic Belt, which is a famous polymetallic mineralization belt. The Xinhua Pb–Zn–(Ag)deposit is located in the western part of Yunkai Area, with an abundance of Pubei batholiths. Zircon U–Pb geochronology of Pubei batholiths shows that crystallization age ranges from 251.9 ± 2.2 to 244.3 ± 1.8 Ma, thus belonging to Indosinian orogeny. Geochemistry and Sr isotopic compositions of the Pubei batholiths show that it is derived from the partial melting of large scale crustal melting during the stage of exhumation and uplifting of the lower-middle crust. In addition, strontium isotope of sphalerite from the Xinhua Pb–Zn–(Ag) deposit, has limited ranges in ~(87)Rb/~(86)Sr and ~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr, ranging from 0.4077 to 1.0449, and 0.718720 to 0.725245, respectively. The initial ~(87)Sr/~(86)Sr ratios of sphalerite ranges between 0.718720 and 0.725245, which is higher than that of upper continental crust and lower than that of the Pubei batholiths, illustrating the fluid might be derived from the mixing of Pubei pluton and upper continental crust.     

U–Pb dating of calcite–aragonite layers in speleothems from hominin sites in South Africa by MC-ICP-MS

Speleothems are found in association with hominin fossil-bearing cave deposits in South Africa and can be used to provide valuable chronological constraints. Such material is generally too old for U–Th dating and, although U–Pb geochronology presents a suitable alternative, bulk U concentrations are typically too low (<0.05 μg/g) to provide useful ages. For this reason, we used a simple non-invasive beta-scanner imaging screening step to identify U-rich (≥1 μg/g) domains that could be analyzed with MC-ICP-MS techniques to provide U–Pb ages. We demonstrate the technique using samples from Sterkfontein cave that exhibit infrequent <1 cm-thick layers with U concentrations ≥1 μg/g. Relict aragonite needles are found exclusively in these U-rich layers. We analyzed material from the same flowstone suite as Walker et al. (2006) and obtained a U–Pb age of ～2.3 Ma that agrees well with their estimate of 2.24 ± 0.09 Ma. We also obtained similar U–Pb (0.164 ± 0.026 to 0.200 ± 0.052 Ma) and U–Th (0.148 ± 0.003 Ma) ages for another sample exhibiting U-rich layers. We recognize that open-system behaviour during the partial transformation of aragonite to calcite is a potential problem and argue, on the basis of geochemistry and age consistencies, that recrystallization took place rapidly after speleothem formation and did not significantly affect the U–Pb ages.     

High-resolution climate variability of southwest China during 57-70 ka reflected in a stalagmite δ18O record from Xinya Cave

A 26-cm-long stalagmite (XY2) from Xinya Cave in northeastern Chongqing of China has been ICP-MS ²³⁰Th/U dated, showing a depositional hiatus at 2.3 cm depth from the top. The growth of the 2.3–26 cm interval determined by four dates was between 57 ka and 70 ka, with a linear growth rate of 0.023 mm/a. We have analyzed 190 samples for δ ¹⁸O and δ ¹³C, mostly in the 2.3–26 cm part. The δ ¹⁸O and δ ¹³C values between 57 ka and 70 ka reveal decadal-to-centennial climatic variability during the glacial interval of Marine Isotope Stage 4 (MIS4), exhibiting much higher resolution than that of the published Hulu and Dongge records during this interval. Speleothem δ ¹⁸O in eastern China, including our study area can be used as a proxy of summer monsoon strength, with lighter values pointing to stronger summer monsoon and higher precipitation, and vice versa. Two decreases in the δ ¹⁸O signature of XY2 record around 59.5 and 64.5 Ka are argued to correspond to the Dansgaard-Oeschger (D-O) events 17 and 18 respectively. The Heinrich event 6 (H6) can be identified in the record as a heavy δ ¹⁸O peak around 60 ka, indicating significant weakening of the monsoon in Chongqing during the cold period. The XY2 δ ¹⁸O record shows very rapid change toward to the interstadial condition of the D-O event, but more gradual change toward to the cold stadial condition. This phenomenon found in the Greenland ice core records is rarely observed so clearly in previously published speleothem records. According to SPECMAP δ ¹⁸O record, the glacial maximum of MIS 4 was around 64.5 ka with the boundary of MIS 3/4 around 60 ka. Unlike the marine record, the speleothem record of XY2, China, exhibits much high frequency variations without an apparent glacial maximum during MIS 4. However, the timing of MIS 3/4 boundary seems to be around 60 ka when the H6 terminated, in agreement with the marine chronology. The growth period of sample XY2 during glacial times probably reflects a local karstic routing of water, rather than having climatic significance. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 40672165, 90511004, 40672202) and the Academician Special Project of Chongqing Science Committee (Grant No. 2003-7835)     

Luminescence dating of scoria fall and lahar deposits from Somma–Vesuvius,Italy

Luminescence dating has been applied to scoria and lahar deposits from Somma–Vesuvius, Italy. Samples include scoria from the AD472 and 512 (or 536) eruptions and lahar deposits. In order to find a stable luminescence signal which is less affected by anomalous fading, infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) signals at elevated temperatures after bleaching with IR at 50 °C (termed post-IR IRSL; pIRIR) were tested at different preheat and elevated stimulation temperatures. The fading rates of both IRSL and pIRIR signals reduced dramatically with increasing preheat and pIRIR stimulation temperatures. A pIRIR signal measured at 290 °C after a preheat at 320 °C (60 s) and an IR stimulation at 50 °C (100 s) was selected to calculate the equivalent dose (D_e). The gamma spectrometry results indicate that the U-series nuclides are not in equilibrium and there is a large ²²⁶Ra excess. The dose rates and ages were calculated by assuming a ²²⁶Ra excess (over its parent ²³⁰Th) at deposition, and that this unsupported excess then decayed to the present level. The resulting luminescence ages of the two scoria samples agreed with the expected ages, and the ages of the lahar deposits indicate that they are associated with the AD1631 eruption.     

High-resolution optical dating of Late Holocene storm surge deposits – a showcase from Schokland (Noordoostpolder,the Netherlands)

Storm surges have a major impact on land use and human habitation in coastal regions. Our knowledge of this impact can be improved by correlating long-term historical storm records with sedimentary evidence of storm surges, but so far few studies have applied such an approach. Here we apply, for the first time, state-of-the-art optically stimulating luminescence (OSL) methods to obtain high-resolution age information on a sequence of Late Holocene storm surge deposits. By combining this chronological framework of storm surges with other reconstruction methods, we investigate the storm surge impact on the former island Schokland, located in a former inlet of the North Sea (central Netherlands).During the Late Holocene, Schokland transformed from a peat area that gradually inundated (~800 CE) via an island in a marginal marine environment (~1600 CE) to a land-locked island in the reclaimed Province of Flevoland (1942 CE). These transitions are recorded in the sediment archive of the island, consisting of silty clay with sandy intervals deposited during storm surges. A series of ten quartz OSL ages, obtained using best-practice methods to deal with incomplete resetting of the OSL signal and dose rate heterogeneity, reveal two periods of storm surge deposition, around 1600 CE and between 1742 and 1822 CE. Historical sources indicate that major storm surges hit Schokland during these periods. Laboratory analyses (thermogravimetry, grain-size, foraminifera, bivalves and ostracods) corroborates the existence of the two sets of storm surge deposits within the clay sequence. Our study sets a benchmark for obtaining robust depositional age constraints from storm surge sediments, and demonstrates the great potential of modern OSL methods to contribute to improved assessment of storm surge risk. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Precise dating of East-Asian-Monsoon D/O events during 95―56 ka BP: Based on stalagmite data from Shanbao Cave at Shennongjia, China

Based on 23 U/Th analyses and 532 oxygen isotopic data, an averaged 80-a stalagmite oxygen isotopic composition series was established through 95 to 56 thousand years before present (ka BP) from two speleothems in Shanbao Cave, Shennongjia, central China. Shanbao Cave record (referred to as SB record) replicates well with Hulu Cave record, extending the characteristics of millennial oscillations in East-Asian-Summer-Monsoon (EASM) to the past 95 ka. The trend of the SB record generally follows mid-July solar insolation at 65°N, suggesting that mid-high northern latitude insolation, in the first or- der, controls changes of EASM intensity. Millennial oscillations of EASM recorded in the stalagmites are well related to the Greenland interstadials referred to as Dansgaard/Oeschger (D/O) events from 1 to 22, indicating that rapid ocean-atmosphere reorganization in North Atlantic has a remote effect in EASM. The well-dated D/O events by stalagmites probably provide an absolute calibration for chro- nologies of Greenland ice cores. The timings of D/O events in the SB record are different variously from those in Greenland ice cores. For D/O 19 and 20, the age offsets between the stalagmites' and the Greenland ice cores' record are significant, larger than the uncertainties of uranium-series dating. The two events in the SB record are younger than those in North GRIP time scale by 1―2 ka, and older than the counterparts in GISP2 by approximately 3―4 ka. A comparison between the SB and Brazil stalag- mite record shows an anti-phase relation in millennial-scale monsoon precipitation between the two localities. This supports a mode for the coupled ocean-atmosphere "See-saw".     

Complicated responses of stalagmite δ ~(13)C to climate change during the last glaciation from Hulu Cave, Nanjing,China

Secondary carbonates deposited inside caves have been considered as good archives of past climate variations at orbital, millennial to centennial, and de-cadal to annual timescales[1-3]. Change in δ 13C value is generally believed to reflect a change in the ratio of C4 to C3 plants, which have different photosynthetic pathways[4]. However, for given vegetation, the bio-genic CO2 production in soils can cause δ 13C to vary from ?12‰ to ?4‰[5]. Also, enhanced precipitation can lead to rapi…     

Zircon provenance of Quaternary cover beds using U–Pb dating: Regional differences in the Southwestern USA

U–Pb dating of detrital zircons (DZ) in Quaternary slope deposits (cover beds) and examination of the surface structure of single zircon grains may enable reconstruction of the provenance of their aeolian components and help to reconstruct sedimentary palaeo-transportation cascades. We distinguish several layers of slope deposits (cover beds) using a palaeosol-supported sequence-stratigraphic approach. In a pilot study, we demonstrate the usability of using end-member-modelled analyses of grain sizes to identify the aeolian matter, multi-dimensional scaling and density functions (probability density functions (PDF) and Kernel density estimations (KDE)) of the U–Pb data, and the grain morphology of DZ, and show that the age and appearance variation of DZ in the Great Basin differ remarkably from those of the Colorado Plateau. All samples contain aeolian matter. Density functions of the DZ ages show similarities within each of the two regions. The Great Basin samples are dominated by late Cretaceous and Paleogene zircons, which are assumed to derive from volcanism. In contrast, the Colorado Plateau samples are almost free of these contributions. Presumably, the difference is due to palaeolakes, which were frequent in the Great Basin only, whose sediments contain a similar spectrum of DZ ages. Zircon morphology indicates that most grains have a history of aeolian transportation, whereas the grains assumed to be of volcanic origin often do not show similar transportation marks; this indicates that their transportation was dominated by the eruptive process but fewer steps of a transportation cascade. Multidimensional scaling of age data defines clusters of samples with similar DZ ages and – compared with published ages from possible sources – allows first interpretations of provenance. Quaternary aeolian sediments have not been studied in, and the applied mix of methods has not been applied to, the southwestern USA before. We demonstrate their feasibility for this study area.     

Microstructural Investigation of Naturally Deformed Leucogneiss from an Alpine Shear Zone (Southern Calabria – Italy)

In order to reveal any correlation between the preferred orientation of quartz and progressive intensity of strain, a suite of deformed leucogneiss collected within a ductile shear zone outcropping in Calabria (southern Italy) was investigated. Based on the microstructural approach and matrix-clast relationships, the method applied here may be useful for appraising the connection between deformation mechanisms of constituent minerals and bulk textural properties of naturally sheared rocks. Accordingly, quartz c-axis orientation patterns were determined by image-assisted analysis. Results revealed a correlation between finite strain and textural features: As strain increases, the matrix develops at the expense of the clast counterpart, which is instead progressively reduced in both size and amount.     

U–Th radioactive disequilibrium and ESR dating of a barite-containing sulfide crust from South Mariana Trough

A block of sulfide crust collected from an active hydrothermal mound in an Archaean site (12°56.4′N, 143°37.9′E; depth ca. 3000 m) of the South Mariana Trough was dated using both ²³⁰Th/²³⁴U disequilibrium and electron spin resonance (ESR) methods to establish the growth duration. Eight subsamples from the sulfide crust were separated further into magnetic and non-magnetic fractions using a Franz isodynamic separator. Thirteen sulfide samples, soluble in nitric acid, yielded ²³⁰Th/²³⁴U ages of 0.3–2.2 ka. The magnetic fractions had significantly lower Th/U ratios, which enabled age determinations as precise as ±2% (2σ). The age distribution obtained for the section of sulfide crust analyzed is consistent with deposition of sulfide minerals from the upper surface of the crust to the inner side. The ²³⁰Th/²³⁴U ages of the sulfide minerals were compared with ESR ages of barites separated from 12 subsamples of the same sulfide crust. ESR ages of 0.27–1.3 ka show a spatial pattern broadly resembling that observed in ²³⁰Th/²³⁴U dating method. While there are some significant offsets, these results illustrate the potential of the two methods for use in investigation of the evolutional history of a hydrothermal system.     

Genesis and metallogenic characteristic of Dongnan Cu–Mo deposit associated granitoids: LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating and isotope constraint from Zijinshan ore field in southeastern China

The Dongnan Cu–Mo deposit, located in the southeast of the Zijinshan ore field(the largest porphyry–epithermal system in Southeast China), represents the complex magmatic and metallogenesis events in the region. The petrogenesis and metallogenesis of granitoids from the deposit are not determined, especially the interactions between ore-bearing(granodiorite porphyry) and barren samples(granodiorite and diorite). In the paper, the whole rock geochemical features shared a similar affinity to the m...     

U–Pb dating and geochemistry of granite porphyry dykes in the Xicha gold–(silver) deposit,southern Jilin Province,China,and their metallogenic significance

We report U–Pb dating of zircon,as well as geochemical and Hf isotope data,in order to constrain the formation time,magma source,and tectonic setting of granite porphyry dykes in the Xicha gold–(silver) district in southern Jilin Province,Northeast China.The zircon grains are euhedral–subhedral,display oscillatory growth zoning and have Th/U ratios varying between 0.11 and 0.78,which together imply a magmatic origin.The dating results indicate the porphyry formed in the Early Cretaceous (122±1 Ma)and it contains SiO_2=70.64–72.31 wt%,Al_2O_(3-)=13.99–14.64 wt%,K_2O+Na_2O=6.96–7.81 wt%K_2O/Na_2O=1.24–2.10,and A/CNK=1.11–1.41.Chemically,the porphyry belongs to a high-K calc-alkaline S-type granite.Chondrite-normalized rare earth elements (REE)patterns show LREE enrichment,light rare earth elements(LREE)/heavy rare earth elements (HREE)=9.93–11.97(La/Yb)_N=11.08–15.16,and d Eu=0.69–0.95.On the trace element spider diagram,large ion lithophile elements such as Rb,Ba,K,Th,and U are enriched,whereas the high field strength elements Ti and P are depleted.The e Hf(t) values of zircon from the granite porphyry vary between-17.1 and-13.2,and their Hf two-stage model ages vary from 2.01 to 2.26 Ga,implying that the magma was derived from partial melting of old lower crust.The granite porphyry dykes and many A-type granites in the region formed at the same time,suggesting an extensiona environment.The combination of the occurrence of strong magmatism,large-scale mineralization,and extensiona tectonics throughout much of Eastern China indicate that the Early Cretaceous was a period of significant lithospheric thinning.The southern Jilin Province,therefore,experienced lithospheric thinning during the Early Cretaceous.     

Seismic response of deep Quaternary sediments in historical center of L’Aquila City (central Italy)

On 6 April 2009 a M_w=6.1 earthquake produced severe destruction and damage over the historic center of L’Aquila City (central Italy), in which the accelerometer stations AQK and AQU recorded a large amount of near-fault ground motion data. This paper analyzes the recorded ground motions and compares the observed peak accelerations and the horizontal to vertical response spectral ratios with those revealed from numerical simulations. The finite element method is considered herein to perform dynamic modeling on the soil profile underlying the seismic station AQU. The subsurface model, which is based on the reviewed surveys that were carried out in previous studies, consists of 200–400 m of Quaternary sediments overlying a Meso-Cenozoic carbonate bedrock. The Martin-Finn-Seed's pore-water pressure model is used in the simulations. The horizontal to vertical response spectral ratio that is observed during the weak seismic events shows three predominant frequencies at about 14 Hz, 3 Hz and 0.6 Hz, which may be related to the computed seismic motion amplification occurring at the shallow colluvium, at the top and base of the fluvial-lacustrine sequence, respectively. During the 2009 L’Aquila main shock the predominant frequency of 14 Hz shifts to lower values probably due to a peculiar wave-field incidence angle. The predominant frequency of 3 Hz shifts to lower values when the earthquake magnitude increases, which may be associated to the progressive softening of soil due to the excess pore-water pressure generation that reaches a maximum value of about 350 kPa in the top of fluvial-lacustrine sequence. The computed vertical peak acceleration underestimates the experimental value and the horizontal to vertical peak acceleration ratio that is observed at station AQU decreases when the earthquake magnitude increases, which reveals amplification of the vertical component of ground motion probably due to near-source effects.     

Non-steady long-term uplift rates and Pleistocene marine terrace development along the Andean margin of Chile (31°S) inferred from 10Be dating

Pleistocene uplift of the Chilean coast is recorded by the formation of wave-cut platforms resulting from marine erosion during sea-level highstands. In the Altos de Talinay area (~ 31°S), we have identified a sequence of 5 wave-cut platforms. Using in situ produced ¹⁰Be exposure ages we show that these platforms were formed during interglacial periods at 6, 122, 232, 321 and 690 ka. These ages correspond to marine isotopic stages (MIS) or substages (MISS) 1, 5e, 7e, 9c and 17. Shoreline angle elevations used in conjunction with our chronology of wave-cut platform formation, illustrate that surface uplift rates vary from 103 ± 69 mm/ka between 122 and 6 ka, to 1158 ± 416 mm/ka between 321 and 232 ka. The absence of preserved platforms related to the MIS 11, 13 and 15 highstands likely reflects slow uplift rates during these times. We suggest that since 700 ka, the Altos de Talinay area was predominantly uplifted during 2 short periods following MIS 17 and MISS 9c. This episodic uplift of the Chilean coast in the Pleistocene may result from subduction related processes, such as pulses of tectonic accretion at the base of the forearc wedge.     

The chronology of the late Lower Paleolithic in the Levant based on U–Th ages of speleothems from Qesem Cave,Israel

We present here the results of a U–Th dating project at Qesem Cave, a Middle Pleistocene, late Lower Paleolithic site in Israel. It provides 54 new MC-ICP-MS U–Th ages for speleothems from the cave. The results indicate that human occupation started sometime between ～420 and 320 ka and ended between 220 and 194 ka. A survey of dates from culturally similar sites in the Levant indicates that the general range of ca. 400–ca. 200 ka is an appropriate estimate for the life span of the Acheulo-Yabrudian Cultural Complex (AYCC).     

Zircon U–Pb dating and whole-rock elemental geochemistry of the Shazi anatase deposit in Qinglong,Western Guizhou,SW China

The Shazi deposit is a large-scale anatase deposit in Qinglong, Guizhou Province. Zircon grains from this deposit yielded a zircon U–Pb age of *259 Ma, representing the formation age of the deposit's parent rocks.This age is identical to the eruption age of the Emeishan large igneous province, indicating a synchronous magmatic event. The rare-earth-element patterns of laterite samples were similar to those of the weathered basalt sample, and sub-parallel to those of the Emeishan high-Ti basalts,implying a genetic relationship between the laterite and the basalt. The Chemical Index of Alteration values of laterite ranged from 96 to 98, suggesting a high degree of weathering. SiO_2, MgO, and alkaline metal elements decreased with increasing degree of weathering, while Al_2O_3, Fe_2O_3,and TiO_2 increased. We found the highest TiO_2 in laterite and the lowest in pillow basalts, indicating that Ti migrated from basalt to laterite.Our U–Pb dating and whole-rock elemental geochemistry analyses suggest that the Emeishan basalt is the parent rock of the Shazi anatase ore deposit.Based on our analysis, we propose a metallogenic model to explain the ore-forming process, in which the karst terrain formed by the Emeishan mantle plume and the subsequent basaltic magma eruption were the key factors in the formation the Shazi anatase ore deposit.     

Re-Os (ICP-MS) dating of the massive sulfide ores from the Jinchuan Ni-Cu-PGE deposit

The Jinchuan Ni-Cu-PGE deposit is the largest nickel sulfide deposit in China and the third largest in the world[1]. It is also the largest platinum deposit in China and contains about 60% platinum reserve of China[2]. The Jinchuan intrusion covers only an area of 1.34 km2, but 47.8% of its volume is the orebody. That makes Jinchuan a typical “large ore deposit in a small intrusion”. A number of research works has been car-ried out towards the Jinchuan deposit. Different ore-forming mo…     

Testing a new combined (U,Th)–He and U/Th dating approach on Plio-Pleistocene calcite speleothems

The geochronology of cave deposits in the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa provides a timeframe essential for the interpretation of its fossils. The uranium-lead (U–Pb) and uranium-thorium disequilibrium (U/Th) dating of speleothems, mostly flowstones that underlie and blanket the fossil-bearing sediments, have been effective in this sense, but U–Pb is limited by the requirement of ∼1 ppm U concentrations and low common Pb contents, and U/Th has a c. 500 ka limit of applicability. Here we report age results for calcite-aragonite speleothems obtained using a new combined uranium-thorium-helium ((U,Th)–He) and U/Th dating routine. We reproduced within analytical uncertainty, the published U–Pb or U/Th ages for (a) flowstone in three drill core samples in the range 2000–3000 ka, (b) a flowstone hand sample taken at surface with an age of 1800 ka, and (c) five underground flowstone samples in the range 100–800 ka. Calcite retentivity for He under cave conditions is thus demonstrated. In the few cases where helium loss was observed in speleothems, only some of the subsamples were affected, and to varying degrees, suggesting loss by lattice damage not related to diagenetic processes, rather than volume diffusion. In the 100 to 800 ka range, the combined U/Th disequilibrium and (U,Th)–He method also yielded reliable values for initial (²³⁰Th/²³⁸U) and (²³⁴U/²³⁸U) activity ratios. Importantly, most subsamples had high initial (²³⁰Th/²³⁸U) values, ranging from 1.0 to 19.7, although having low Th/U ratios. This is probably due to incorporation of Fe–Mn oxides-hydroxides dust, on which ²³⁰Th was previously adsorbed. Such samples are mostly not dateable by U/Th without the additional input from the He analysis. If not detected and corrected for, such high initial (²³⁰Th/²³⁸U) values can lead to inaccurate U/Th and U–Pb ages. Our study shows that the incorporation of He analysis in U/Th dating has broad potential application, with four methods for calculating the ages, in carbonates from different environments where U-Pb or U/Th dating would not work.