Discussion: Extracting thermal history from low temperature thermochronology. A comment on recent exchanges between Vermeesch and Tian and Gallagher and Ketcham

Recent exchanges concerning methods for extracting thermal histories from low temperature thermochronology data do not address key limitations imposed by the nature of system response. Thermochronology data in isolation cannot define periods when samples were cooler and subsequently reheated. This can only be defined with the aid of constraints from geological evidence. The common assumption of slow continuous cooling is clearly not appropriate in many situations, and cooling rates derived from such studies have little relevance to geological processes. We suggest a revised approach, which focuses on the information contained in the data.

Automated summary

Recent discussions on extracting thermal histories from low temperature thermochronology data fail to address key limitations of system response. Geological evidence is essential to define periods of cooling and reheating, and assumptions of slow continuous cooling may not be appropriate. A revised approach focusing on data information is recommended.