A practical tool for examining paleoerosion rates from sedimentary deposits using cosmogenic radionuclides: Examples from hypothetical scenarios and data

• Published in: Geochemistry, geophysics, geosystems : G3 geophysics, geosystems : G3, 2016-12, Vol.17 (12), p.5078-5088
• Main Authors: Val, Pedro, Hoke, Gregory D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Algorithms; basin deposits; Beryllium 10; Data; Exploration; Feasibility studies; hypothetical scenarios; Mathematical models; Matlab algorithm; Monte Carlo simulation; paleoerosion rates; Radioisotopes; Radionuclide kinetics; Sediment; Statistical methods
• ISSN: 1525-2027; 1525-2027
• DOI: 10.1002/2016GC006608

We provide a MatlabTM‐based algorithm that calculates paleoerosion rates based on measured Cosmogenic Radionuclide (CRN) concentrations from sedimentary deposits and additional geological constraints provided by the user. Based on the input data, the algorithm models CRN concentrations accumulated due to sediment burial and the subsequent exhumation of these deposits. Description of the methods and applications of the algorithm are provided, which includes single or coupled CRNs (i.e., 10Be or 10Be + 26Al). Results from the literature are reproduced. Further applicability of this algorithm is demonstrated with hypothetical scenarios of paleoerosion rates. The tool can be used toward the exploration of necessary assumptions, feasibility of case‐studies, and method limits. This contribution accompanies an overview of the paleoerosion rate method, its applications, and necessary assumptions. Key Points A MatlabTM‐based tool for retrieving paleoerosion rates from cosmogenic radionuclides is provided A Monte Carlo method for error propagation is used Use of the tool to reproduce published data and explore method limits is demonstrated