Ever since the development of the first cosmogenic nuclide method has been developed in the 40s (radiocarbon dating) a new discipline for Earth surface investigations has been created. Today, we have a variety of isotopes (10Be, 26Al, 36Cl, 21Ne, 14C) at our disposal to answer prevailing questions in geomorphology, structural geology, glaciology, pedology, archeology or anthropology. Cosmogenic nuclides have been used to directly determine the timing of events and rates of change in the Earth’s surface by measuring their production in rocks and sediments, and soils. The technique has been widely adopted by the geomorphic community because it can be used on a wide range of landforms and across a broad spectrum of time and space scales. However, their application is also relevant for different Earth Science communities interested in quantifying the long- and short-term surface evolution. Indeed, the application of cosmogenic nuclides have been successfully applied to determine erosion/ denudation rates; exposure dating of geomorphic surfaces; burial events; rates of uplift; soil dynamics; and palaeo-altimetric changes.

The short course offers a brief outline of the theory and application to Earth’s surface in different morpho-tectonic settings. The aim is to provide background information and basic knowledge of how to apply such a method.