Proposal
A growing number of recent-creationists propose an accelerated nuclear decay event in the past to account for the observations of 'old age' based on constant decay rates. This is a period in time in which radioactive decay rates increase. The proponents of the theory place an event of increased nuclear decay rates during the Creation and/or Flood event. If such an event happened, post-Flood strata should possess a radioactive signature that indicates constant nuclear decay on the order of 10,000 yr. (an approximate date for the Flood). This means that layers of the pre-Flood and Flood era should possess large amounts of radioactive decay. Furthermore, if these layers are radioisotope dated assuming constant decay rates they will give erroneously old ages.
The accelerated nuclear decay theory is tested based on spontaneous fission track densities of 238U in various strata in the post-Flood era. Spontaneous fission track densities are shown to be consistent in historically dated samples, but inconsistent with predictions based on theory for older post-Flood rock (Miocene to Pleistocene). Objections to these results are discussed. This study shows that 238U spontaneous fission tracks are a natural dosimeter which cannot be overlooked in critiquing radioisotopic data and in locating the Flood/post-Flood boundary in the geological column.
Keywords
Radioactivity, radioisotopic dating, radiometric, uranium fission, fission track, rhyolitic tephra, tuff, volcanic glass, varying decay rates, natural dosimeter, Flood/post-Flood boundary, fission track dating
Print Reference
Pages 79-88
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Recommended Citation
Bielecki, Joseph W.
(1998)
"Search for Accelerated Nuclear Decay with Spontaneous Fission of Uranium 238,"
Proceedings of the International Conference on Creationism: Vol. 4, Article 14.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/icc_proceedings/vol4/iss1/14