Isotope Lab dates new Late Cretaceous species named after David Bowie

Artistic rendering of a Bowie-esque Brasilestes stardusti, missing the tooth that led to this study. Artwork by Camila Alli Chair.

The discovery of a single premolar tooth in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, led to the identification of a new Late Cretaceous species related to both placental and marsupial mammals. The new mammal’s name, Brasilestes stardusti, honors the late David Bowie’s alter ego, Ziggy Stardust. Continue reading →

Geochronology and thermochronology session at Goldschmidt 2018

09a: Research Frontiers in Radioisotope Geochronology and Thermochronology

Conveners: Jahandar RamezaniDavid McGee
Modern geo- and thermo-chronologic techniques based on a wide array of short- and long-lived radionuclide decay schemes have become the cornerstone of research in nearly all branches of the earth and planetary sciences. Accelerated drive towards improved precision, accuracy and inter-chronometer consistency through the community-based EARTHTIME initiative has charted new roadmaps for novel applications and the development of new chronometers. Simultaneously, significant developments in understanding mid- to low-temperature thermochronometers have widened the diversity of problems that can be addressed with these tools. These advances profoundly impact our understanding of the processes that shape our planet, from the birth of the solar system to the environmental changes in the age of humans. This session seeks to bring together a wide spectrum of researchers in isotope geochemistry and related fields in order to underscore modern progress in geochronologic research in all time scales, its promises and future challenges. Presentations involving a multi-chronometer approach in resolving the rates of the earth and planetary processes are encouraged.

Abstract submission is now open. The Abstract Deadline is March 30th (23:59 EST)