Methods of studying detrital zircons

This paper provides an overview of detrital zircon study methods from sample collection to the interpretation of geochronological and geochemical data. Detrital zircon geochronology is used to identify potential provenances and migration routes of terrigenous material, to correlate coeval deposits, and to determine the maximum depositional age. Large datasets are used for regional and global geodynamic reconstructions. Different stages of detrital zircon study affect the results and their interpretation. Sample collection and preparation, formation of the zircon sampling, selection of analytical points, analysis, and filtering the geochronological data should take into account the geological tasks. The paper describes main methods of statistical processing of geochronological data, and as determining the maximum depositional age, as well as provides a list of most commonly cited software for processing the analytical data. The paper also briefly summarizes interpretation approaches of zircon origins based on REE and other trace element content and Th/U ratio, determining the crystallization temperatures based on Ti and Hf content and potential applications of Lu-Hf and oxygen isotopes for zircons. The final section provides a list of various geochronological and geochemical databases on detrital zircons.