What does climate change have to say about isotope decay and the accuracy of chemical dating?

Question

Please list sources if possible, as I'm scientifically curious about this. No political/hot-air comments if you please.

Thanks in advance!

I realize that the precise process of isotope decay would not be affected by temperature. What I'm looking for information on is how historical climate change might affect the chemical levels in a specimen being dated. Certainly the Earth's temperature must somehow affect our basic assumptions about how much Carbon etc. a particular fossil will have etc. (I know carbon isn't used as much as other chemicals, but the question is the same).

Answer 1

uh...this may answer some questions...i didn't read all of it so if it's totally wrong, sorry...

P.S. i love when someone is interested in science...i'm a total science geek to so...CHEERS!

Answer 2

Atomic dating is quite independent of any form of weather conditions. Atomic decay is a constant process which occurs in certain elements and, knowing the rate at which it occurs and which other element results the PROPORTION of these two elements in a rock gives the age. The quantity of of the element available is irrelevant, no matter what quantity there is (for example large amounts carbon in peat bog deposits) the the rate at which the carbon decays to a stable form is constant and the proportions remain constant to the time the decaying process has been taking place. The fact that peat is formed in wet conditions has no influence on the process, bones preserved in a desert deposit at a similar time will yield identicle results.

Answer 3

Not at all. Nuclear decay is a process that takes place in the nucleus of an atom. The nucleus is well sheiled from outside forces by the electron cloud. To change it, you would have to have the types of heat and pressures one would see in the sun.

Answer 4

Will you give me "best answer" like you got for your answer to the sodium borate/glue water question in the philosophy forum? Okay, here goes:

"Philosophically speaking, everything is subjective, so what will happen is what you believe will happen. And if the universe is in harmony with that belief, it will materialize in the physical world. [Isotope dating] is your point of faith, and the [Religious belief system] is your life...what will happen when you put them together with a purpose...anything is possible friend...good luck with your search :P"

Oh, the *real* answer to your question, (and one that is bound to knock me out of best answer contention) is this: no. Climate has nothing to do with radio-isotope dating and you will have better luck finding support for your attempt to undermine carbon dating in the religion and spirituality section. It will be wrong, but more to your liking, I'm sure.

Answer 5

i'm not sure exactly what you mean, but isotope decay is a nuclear process that is usually unaffected by even the most extreme changes in temperature and pressure found on earth, and certainly wouldn't be affected by global warming.