(U-Th)/He chronology: Part 1. Data, uncertainty, and reporting

The field of (U-Th)/He geochronology and thermochronology has grown enormously over the past similar to 25 years. The tool is applicable across much of geologic time, new (U-Th)/He chronometers are under continuous development, and the method is used in a diverse array of studies. Consequently, the technique has a rapidly expanding user base, and new labs are being established worldwide. This presents both opportunities and challenges. Currently there are no universally agreedupon protocols for reporting measured (UTh)/He data or data derivatives. Nor are there standardized practices for reporting He diffusion kinetic, 4He/3He, or continuous ramped heating data. Approaches for reporting uncertainties associated with all types of data also vary widely. Here, we address these issues. We review the fundamentals of the methods, the types of materials that can be dated, how data are acquired, the process and choices associated with data reduction, and make recommendations for data and uncertainty reporting. We advocate that both the primary measured and derived data be reported, along with statements of assumptions, appropriate references, and clear descriptions of the methods used to compute derived data from measured values. The adoption of more comprehensive and uniform approaches to data and uncertainty rethe future with different interpretative contexts and data reduction methods, and will facilitate inter-comparison of data sets gen-erated by different laboratories. Together, this will enhance the value, cross-disciplinary use, reliability , ongoing development of (U-Th)/He chronology.