Ultra-low-temperature Thermochronology Using Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL)

Abstract

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) thermochronometry is a method for estimating the thermal histories in the ultra-low-temperature domain less than several tens °C. This method is capable of reconstructing the exhumation histories of a period over which rocks are exhumed several hundred meters assuming general geothermal structure. Thus it is expected to be used for unraveling tectonic activities over 10⁴–10⁵ year timescale. We introduce the principle and closure temperature of OSL thermochronometry, the latest method of thermal history analyses, and case studies of OSL thermochronology.