Synonyms
Definition
Radiogenic isotopes or radiogenic nuclides are produced by the decay of radioactive nuclei (e.g., 87Sr produced by the decay of 87Rb). The abundances of radiogenic isotopes are commonly reported relative to that of a stable, non-radiogenic isotope of the same element (e.g., 86Sr) as isotope ratios (e.g., 87Sr/86Sr). In geochronology, radiogenic isotopes are used for determining the timing and duration of geological events. They also provide tracers for chemical fractionations of parent and daughter elements by past geological processes, such as the chemical differentiation of the Earth.
Overview
Radiogenic isotopes are versatile tools in Earth sciences. In geochronology, they are used to determine the timescales of geological processes ranging from ages of individual minerals to the timescales of large-scale chemical differentiation of asteroids and terrestrial planets. As tracers of geological processes, radiogenic isotopes provide information...
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Kleine, T. (2015). Radiogenic Isotopes. In: Gargaud, M., et al. Encyclopedia of Astrobiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44185-5_1343
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-44185-5_1343
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