Track Fading and Its Applications in Archaeology, Tectonics and Geothermal Chronology in China

Track fading is a basic phenomenon in track science and has been the source of informa- tion in geosciences. This article summarizes the knowledge of track fading and gives some examples of successful applications of track fading in archaeology, tectonics and geothermal chronology in China. The applications of track fading are classified into 5 modes： （1） mode of complete fading （annealing）; （2） mode of partial fading; （3） use of the dependence of track fading on time and temperature; （4） use of the differences of track fading between coexisting minerals; and （5） use of fading-reduced track length. Track fading mechanisms hints that scientists in geothermal chronology should adopt microprobes for quantitative elemental analysis to determine the detailed chemical compositions of each mineral grain or at least of the grains from each position of geological structures in order that one becomes well aware of the relation between the track fading behavior and chemical compositions of the mineral used.