The authigenic ¹⁰Be/⁹Be dating method holds significant potential due to its ability to determine depositional ages from just a few grams of mud, spanning up to 14 million years. However, the factors influencing this method are not yet fully understood. Its complexity arises from the distinct origins of the isotopes: radioactive ¹⁰Be is produced by cosmic rays in the atmosphere, while stable ⁹Be originates from the weathering of rocks. Both nuclides are incorporated into oxyhydroxides that form authigenic rims around sedimentary particles, which are subsequently extracted for dating.
Our research builds on key studies, primarily with independent age constraints, to investigate how depositional processes, changes in base level, sediment source proximity, and drainage network dynamics influence the fluxes of ⁹Be and ¹⁰Be in epicontinental basin environments. This study represents the first comprehensive effort to establish criteria for the effective application of the authigenic ¹⁰Be/⁹Be dating method.