Electron spin resonance dating is based on the principle that natural radiation creates paramagnetic defects in minerals. The method has been applied to various minerals starting from calcite of speleothems. As quartz is one of the most common minerals on the surface of the Earth, many applications are available on various geological events occurring on the Earth. The present review article summarizes the recent research results and directions of electron spin resonance dating of quartz.

Luminescence is weak light emitted from materials that are stimulated by light and heat after a period of radiation exposure. Optically-stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating utilizes luminescence mainly from mineral grains and is a developing method demanded in geological and archaeological research. This paper introduces the principle, methodology and recent development of OSL dating.

Fission-track (FT) method observes linear dislocations in geological materials formed by nuclear fission of ²³⁸U. FT method provides information on thermal history of a sample below 300°C, together with geological dates. This report revisits the development history of FT method and suggests potential research target left unearthed.

I carry out the assessment of fault activity of the Shimotsuburai and Hoozan faults belonging to the Itoigawa-Shizuoka Tectonic Line Active Fault System located at the northeast and east edges of the South Alps of Japan, using ESR (electron spin resonance) dating method. The age of the latest fault movement (T_a) of the Shimotsuburai fault, which is recognized as an active fault, is estimated as T_a≤1.04±0.14 Ma. This result means that the principle of ESR dating method of fault movement is sustained. On the other hand, the age of the latest fault movement of the Hoozan fault, which is regarded as an estimated active fault by a topographical feature, is estimated as T_a≤0.58±0.10 Ma. Therefore, I conclude that the Hoozan fault is probably an active fault having moved since the Middle Pleistocene.

The example and key point of optically stimulated luminescence dating of various types of sediment are introduced since the development of SAR protocol. In particular, the suitable dating methods for Japanese sediments are introduced. For feldspar IRSL and pIRIR dating, there are future challenges in the estimation of residual dose, g-value, etc., so it is necessary to increase the case study.

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.

Thermochronometric studies (e.g., fission-track thermochronometry) on major orogenic belts, such as collision zones and/or cratons have been successfully conducted since 1970s. However, such studies in arc-trench systems were limited so far. According to the development of thermochronology in three decades, the applicability for these regions has been identified. Thus, recent thermochronometric studies in an island arc setting have been proceeding. This paper introduces the concept and the current status of thermochronometric studies for mountain building process on arc-trench settings, especially these case studies in island arcs.

Fission-track (FT) method is among the most-used and well-established geo- and thermo-chronometers. We overview the recent developments of FT method especially since the 2000s. The topics include the advanced analytical methods, understanding of annealing kinetics, developments of new dating system, as well as introduction to major freeware used for FT analyses.