Deconvolution of fission-track length distributions and its application to dating and separating pre- and post-depositional components

Abstract. To enable the separation of pre- and postdepositional components length distribution (partially annealed) horizontal confined fission tracks, is corrected by deconvolution. Probabilistic least-squares inversion corrects natural track histograms for observational biases, considering variance in data, modelization, prior information. The histogram validated its variance–covariance matrix. It considered that data can exist with or without measurements angles to c axis. In latter case, 3D are introduced as an alternative c-axis-projected lengths. Thermal history modelling samples not necessary calculation age distributions tracks. example, equations applied apatites predepositional (inherited) tracks order extract histogram. Fission generated before deposition detrital apatite crystals mixed post-depositional This complicates post-sedimentary thermal history, grains have experienced different histories deposition. Thereafter, share a common history. Thus, extracted inherited may be used calculation.