Development of new applications in volcanic (U-Th)/He geochronology

The recent success of apatite, zircon and titanite (U-Th)/He geo/thermochronology has shown that this radiometric dating technique can be utilized as a robust and reliable chronometer for a great deal of geologic applications. The (U-Th)/He dating technique need not be restricted to the aforementioned minerals, or particular geochronologic applications. Presented here are three new applications for (U-Th)/He dating in the field of volcanic geochronology: (1) (U-Th)/He dating of kimberlites, (2) (U-Th)/He dating of rutile and garnet, and (3) (U-Th)/He of magnetite and its application to volcanic geochronology. All three new applications will expand the use of (U-Th)/He dating to new minerals, and different lithologies allowing users to constrain the thermal history of a greater range of rock types. New procedures for (U-Th)/He dating are discussed in detail, followed by several case studies designed to test and demonstrate the reliability of these new (U-Th)/He thermochronometers.