Cosmogenic Nuclide Exposure Ages for Prince Charles Mountains Glacial Deposits

Exposure ages derived from Be-10, Al-26, and Cl-36 concentrations date glacial deposits and bedrock surfaces in East Antarctica's Prince Charles Mountains. Most samples originate from moraines formed during the Last Glacial Maximum, approximately 12,000 to 20,000 years before present. The dataset, produced by SCIOPS, includes full analytical details for recalculating ages as scientific models evolve.

Use Cases

• Reconstructing ice sheet retreat timing by analyzing exposure ages from moraine sequences.
• Calibrating regional nuclide production rates using sample location coordinates and isotopic analysis data.
• Investigating erosion rates by comparing exposure ages from adjacent bedrock surfaces and glacial deposits.
• Validating paleoclimate models by correlating dated glacial advances in the Prince Charles Mountains with global climate records.

Strengths

• Includes full chemical and isotopic analysis details enabling age recalculation with future models.
• Focuses on a critical period for Antarctic glaciation, the Last Glacial Maximum (~12-20 kyr BP).
• Uses multiple cosmogenic nuclides (Be-10, Al-26, Cl-36) for cross-verification of exposure ages.

Limitations

• Sample size and spatial density within the Prince Charles Mountains are unknown.
• Ages depend on currently accepted production rates and correction factors, which are subject to revision.
• Temporal coverage is limited primarily to the Last Glacial Maximum, with potential gaps for older or younger events.

Provenance

Source

SCIOPS, accessed via NASA EarthData.

Collection Method

Cosmogenic nuclide dating (Be-10, Al-26, Cl-36) of collected rock samples, with ages calculated using accepted production rates and correction factors.

Time Range

Samples primarily date to the Last Glacial Maximum, approximately 12,000 to 20,000 years before present.

Geography

Prince Charles Mountains, East Antarctica.