Geology K Ar Age With Atmospheric Correction Calculator
K–Ar branched decay with independently atmospheric40Ar/36Ar correction and common atom/mole units; not supplied radiogenic ratio-only age. Caller independently establishes matching units, evidence, method edition and applicability; output is not compliance, diagnosis, work-safety approval, geological identity or validated hazard prediction.
Description
Potassium–argon dating separates radiogenic argon from an atmospheric contribution before applying decay constants.
Potassium–argon dating separates radiogenic argon from an atmospheric contribution before applying decay constants.1
The atmospheric ratio, atom-count basis and closed-system assumptions must be independently established for an age interpretation. Use this tool to calculate k ar age with atmospheric correction from the supplied measurements and assumptions.
When to use Geology K Ar Age With Atmospheric Correction Calculator
Use this tool to calculate k ar age with atmospheric correction from the supplied measurements and assumptions. Establish the measurement units, sampled interval, calibration or model edition and geological assumptions before entering data.
How to use Geology K Ar Age With Atmospheric Correction Calculator and understand its results
- Establish the measurement units, sampled interval, calibration or model edition and geological assumptions before entering data.
- Enter measuredAr40, measuredAr36, callerAtmosphericAr40Ar36, measuredK40, kTotalDecayPerYear, kArBranchDecayPerYear, using the field meanings and rules below, then run the tool.
- Read atmosphereCorrectedKArAgeYears. Interpret the fields using their units, signs and evidence conventions below.
- If input validation fails, correct the reported field and run again. Before applying the result, check reference scope, model assumptions and any missing evidence or placeholder values.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| measuredAr40 | Measured ar40 | number | Required |
| measuredAr36 | Measured ar36 | number | Required |
| callerAtmosphericAr40Ar36 | Caller atmospheric ar40 ar36 | number | Required |
| measuredK40 | Measured k40 | number | Required |
| kTotalDecayPerYear | K total decay per year | number | Required |
| kArBranchDecayPerYear | K ar branch decay per year | number | Required |
Require nonnegative measured Ar40, Ar36 and atmospheric ratio, positive K40 and positive decay constants per year, with branch constant no greater than total constant. Subtract Ar36×atmosphericRatio from Ar40 and require a nonnegative residual. Apply the branching-corrected log age relation and return years; atom-count consistency and atmospheric applicability are external assumptions.
radiogenicAr40=Ar40−Ar36×atmosphericRatio; ageYears=ln[1+(totalLambda/branchLambda)×radiogenicAr40/K40]/totalLambda Use the exact units, boundary rules, ordering and missing-evidence conventions above.
| Output field | Meaning | Value type |
|---|---|---|
| atmosphereCorrectedKArAgeYears | Atmosphere Corrected K Ar Age Years; follow the units, sign, ordering and evidence convention stated above | number |
{
"input": {
"measuredAr40": 10,
"measuredAr36": 1,
"callerAtmosphericAr40Ar36": 2,
"measuredK40": 2,
"kTotalDecayPerYear": 1,
"kArBranchDecayPerYear": 0.5
},
"output": {
"atmosphereCorrectedKArAgeYears": 2.1972245773362196
}
}Limitations and assumptions
The atmospheric ratio, atom-count basis and closed-system assumptions must be independently established for an age interpretation. Interpretation depends on the units, sampling scope and exact model described above.
All listed fields require explicit values. Unexpected fields, incorrect types, nonfinite numbers and sparse evidence arrays fail validation; the specific bounds and alignment requirements are stated above. Extremely large inputs or outputs can also be rejected. An input error is distinct from a successful result reporting false, no matches or missing evidence.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use Geology U Th Disequilibrium Age Calculator for this related task: An activity-ratio age interpretation depends on a specified uranium–thorium evolution curve.
Use Geology U Pb Discordia Upper Intercept Calculator when its separate inputs and assumptions fit the question: A discordia line summarizes paired uranium–lead ratio observations in a chosen coordinate system.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Geology U Th Disequilibrium Age Calculator
An activity-ratio age interpretation depends on a specified uranium–thorium evolution curve.
- Geology U Pb Discordia Upper Intercept Calculator
A discordia line summarizes paired uranium–lead ratio observations in a chosen coordinate system.