The theoretical basis of ACE, an Age Calculation Engine for cosmogenic nuclides

We present the theory behind ACE, an ‘Age Calculation Engine’ for cosmogenic nuclides. ACE is a theoretical development environment for cosmogenic nuclide dating, and contains novel features such as the ability to work with any cosmogenic nuclide, calibrate production rates from user-supplied calibration databases, and examine the sensitivity of computed sample ages to theoretical uncertainties. The default algorithms for calibration and dating in ACE are described so that users can interpret results within a scientific context. Sensitivities of the dating algorithms to assumptions regarding geomagnetic and atmospheric scaling, independently dated calibration databases, and secular variability are shown to identify key sources of uncertainty in the cosmogenic nuclide dating method.