We present a new Bayesian method for deriving maximum depositional ages from detrital K-feldspar using total-fusion 40Ar/39Ar data. Individual analyses weighted by K/Ca ratio, age uncertainty, and percent radiogenic argon prioritize a result to come from accurately measured volcanic sources. Results from this method applied to sandstones from the Hell Creek region of northeastern Montana show that detrital K-feldspar maximum depositional ages align closely with detrital U-Pb zircon ages as well as tephra based chronostratigraphic constraints from both 40Ar/39Ar and U-Pb data. An age model informed by maximum depositional ages and available tephra data provides an estimate of 1.74 ± 1.04 Ma for the duration of deposition for the Hell Creek Formation. Combined age model and maximum depositional age data suggest ≤ 1.84 Ma of missing time is represented by the Hell Creek and Fox Hills formational disconformity, coinciding with the final regression of the Western Interior seaway.
- Open Access
- Article
A Case Study of Maximum Depositional Ages from Terrestrial Sandstones near the Cretaceous—Paleogene Transition, Western Williston Basin, USA
- Andrew J. Tholt 1,2,*,
- Jack N. Carter 2,
- Neil P. Griffis 3,
- Roland Mundil 2,
- Gregory P. Wilson Mantilla 4,5,
- Laura Pianowski 3,
- Anthony J. Fuentes 1,
- Paul R. Renne 1,2
Author Information
Received: 26 Jan 2026 | Revised: 24 Apr 2026 | Accepted: 06 Aug 2026 | Published: 24 Aug 2026
Abstract
Keywords
detrital geochronology | maximum depositional age | Hell Creek Formation | Williston Basin | chronostratigraphy
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