Proofs on Feasibility of Measuring Geologic Age by a Thermal Analysis Method

Abstract: We measured the geological age of Mexico Durango apatite, the international standard sample for geological dating, using our previously proposed thermal analysis research approach. Compared with the international recommended age or the calculated age of this sample in this study, the resulting error of the measurement was approximately 1%. This proves the feasibility of measuring geologic age by the proposed thermal analysis method. The dating formula presented in this work to measure the apparent age of Maanshan Anhui apatite directly is easier to implement than other dating methods. Through further research, the precision age of geological sample may be measured with our formula. Compared with fission-track, α ion nuclear track annealing is more sensitive to the temperature of the geological environment; therefore, it might be useful for revealing the thermal history of the geological environment.