Abstract

Over the past decade, an increasing number of studies have examined radioactive decay rate changes, a controversial topic that may affect many aspects of scientific research. In our previous studies we found that the count-rate for an Am-241 alpha emitter altered due to changes in the neutrino flux from the sun. Gamma radiation measurements in these experimental setups were obtained using NaI (Tl) detectors. Our findings also indicated that the Rn-222 radioactive nuclide is affected by an order-of-magnitude neutrino flux change, from the sun. To track additional radiation count-rate responses due to solar flare events, we integrated an experimental detector system for gamma radiation count-rates measurements, facing a Th-232 radioactive source. Several geological radiometric dating methods, such as the U-235 chain, U-238 chain, Th-230, and Th-232 chain, which are used in geological dating, may be affected by the findings of this work. Our new findings question the reliability and accuracy of these dating methods. A new formula was developed to evaluate the Th-232 decay constant changes resulting from relatively strong solar flares. This formula was used in a Monte Carlo simulation to determine the decay constant change over 200Ma. Due to our methodical assessment calculations, the real age of a 200Ma old layer should be 130Ma, or even younger. Based on the simulation, and considering the effect of solar flare events, we conclude that geological radiometric dating should be altered, and that the unidirectional correction of dating is essential.

Keywords: Half-life; Solar flare; Dating; Decay constant; Radioactive