Caltech Noble Gas Lab Research Activities
Research in the Farley lab encompasses a wide array of geological and methodological problems. Over the past twenty years, we have developed techniques for understanding the low temperature cooling histories of rock masses. The (U-Th)/He method and 4He/3He thermochronometry allow us to explore thermal histories that illuminate paleotectonics, geomorphology, hydrocarbon maturation, and other processes. More recently, we have also begun to explore techniques such as (U-Th)/Ne dating, cosmogenic 3He and 21Ne dating, heavy noble gas geochronology, and extraterrestrial (in-situ) geochronology and surface exposure dating. Several members of the group are involved in the Mars Science Laboratory mission.
Some of these topics are described in more detail on the pages linked below.