Where now? Reflections on future directions for cosmogenic nuclide research from the CRONUS Projects

The CRONUS-Earth and CRONUS-EU Projects have recently examined the reproducibility of cosmogenic nuclide measurements and the ability of cosmogenic-production models to fit high-quality global calibration data sets. In both cases, although results are adequate for present geochronological needs, they must be improved to meet future demands. We recommend that the cosmogenic-nuclide community embark on a continuing effort to understand the sources of the remaining model-versus-data discrepancy, and that in the meanwhile all cosmogenic ages be benchmarked against reference ages calculated in a consistent fashion. We also recommend that interlaboratory reference materials be routinely analyzed along with samples and blanks, that the results be tracked, and that methods of achieving consistency and precision in sample preparation and analysis be shared within the community. We also recommend additional organization of the community to facilitate the use of intercomparison materials, foster analytical improvements, oversee the evolution of the community age calculator, and synthesize ongoing calibration efforts.