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On the precision of age measurements by Rb-Sr isochrons in nontrivial cases

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Abstract

Calculations of isochrons by different methods are compared for the case when both variables are subject to error. Least-squares operations of the kind given by York (1969) and linear methods are compared. The advantage of the linear methods is demonstrated for the case of data reported by Housner and Brennan (1948), which we have modified for nonreplicated sampling. The sampling distribution of the slope is obtained and confidence intervals for it are given. The confidence intervals for the intercept on the ordinate and its distribution are obtained for fixed values of the slope. Examples of application of the method are given, based on data from the literature compiled in Appendix A.

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Vistelius, A.B., Faas, A.V. On the precision of age measurements by Rb-Sr isochrons in nontrivial cases. Math Geol 23, 999–1044 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02066109

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02066109

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