Estimating limiting age for pleistocene erosional surfaces in central Montana by uranium-series dating of associated travertines

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
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Abstract

Travertine deposits overlie the highest Number 2 surfaces in central Montana and clasts of travertine occur in gravels on lower Number 2 surfaces. Dating these travertine deposits may provide limits on the ages of surfaces that record intervals of extensive erosion during Pleistocene time. Analysis of three travertine samples from the southeast side of The Park yield an average uranium‐thorium age of 73 000 ±+M 7 000 years. Another sample from the west side of The Park is 320 000 (+ 160 000, − 70 000) years old. These results indicate that travertine deposits may have formed at several intervals. The surface beneath The Park travertine is older than about 320 000 years. Number 2 pediment gravels that contain travertine downslope from the oldest dated sample may be younger than about 320 000 years.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Estimating limiting age for pleistocene erosional surfaces in central Montana by uranium-series dating of associated travertines
Series title Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
DOI 10.1002/esp.3290110212
Volume 11
Issue 2
Year Published 1986
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Description 6 p.
First page 223
Last page 228
Country United States
State Montana
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