3876 - Basics of Geochronology: How Do Scientists Date Earth's Past? (Ajoy Baksi)
Course Description
Instructor: Ajoy Baksi
How do scientists determine the age of rocks and uncover the timeline of Earth's history? Geochronology is the science of placing numerical constraints on the timing and duration of geological events, playing an essential role in understanding Earth's past. This course will introduce the fundamentals of radiometric dating and explore how scientists use different techniques to determine when geological events occurred.
We will examine the principles and applications of uranium-lead (U-Pb), argon-argon (⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar), and radiocarbon dating methods. Through these scientific approaches, participants will gain a better understanding of how researchers establish geological timelines and piece together the history of our planet.
Bio: Ajoy K. Baksi
Ajoy K. Baksi earned his Ph.D. in Physics/Geophysics from the University of Toronto, Canada, in 1970. He has more than 50 years of experience working in the field of geochronology and has authored over 80 scientific publications, primarily as the sole or lead author, in leading academic journals, including Science.