Talk:Geochronometry

Nanocycles method by S Afanasiev

I have in my possession a book in Russian which translated is called "Nanocycles Method" by S Afanasiev, Prof of Geology at Moscow University. It has references to studies in salt mines that determine very long strata dates and find certain cycles present. Afanasiev finds that the cycles are due to lunar orbital variations and as the lunar orbit is known rather accurately determines an accurate calibration system. As far as I know this method is unknown in the English speaking world. When I applied it to the Elatina formation cycles presented by G Williams, it shows that the several cycles present are exactly what are expected and accurately dates the formation. I would be happy to write something about this, but when I did so in wikipedia it was deleted because the people there had not heard of it. Of course they hadn't, it is in Russian. RayTomes 01:07, 30 January 2007 (CST)

Ciao RayTomes. I know about some uses of lunar cycles in geology. Tidal sediments as those of the Elatina Fm. are the most obvious case (though the original interpretation was that laminae were annual, if I remember it right. Later, the researcher who studied that case changed his mind. I can check in my biblography if needed). Lunar cycles are also recognized in sclerochronology of molluscs, and were used to constraint parameters as the Earth-Moon distance and lenght of the Day in the geological past.

Thus, this method is not completely unknown outside Russia, only, it has limited applications. I never heard of its use on salt crystals, though, and I'd like to know how it works.

Of course you are welcome to contribute here. Please cite and try to make the method clear. I'll try to expand your section with an explanation of other similar methods.

Add your name to the Authors of the Earth Science Workgroup if you contribute.

Cheers! --Nereo Preto 01:48, 30 January 2007 (CST)