Determination of geological sample ages using nuclear analysis methods

Abstract

The determination of geological sample ages is a fundamental aspect of geoscience, offering insights into the history and development of Earth's crust. This study employs the Uranium - Thorium - Lead (U - Th - Pb) method to accurately date sediment samples from the Viet Phuong 2 quarry in Loc Thanh, Binh Phuoc province, Vietnam. Using Total Reflection X - Ray Fluorescence (T - XRF) and gamma spectrometry, the study measured lead, uranium, and thorium concentrations in the samples. The analysis revealed that the ages of the samples ranged from approximately 228 million to 435 million years, consistent with the geological history of the area. Specifically, the U - Pb dating method provided a more accurate and consistent age range, while the Th - Pb method showed slightly higher variability. These results confirm the reliability of the U - Th - Pb dating method and suggest its broader application in geological studies.