Thermal history modeling techniques and interpretation strategies: Applications using HeFTy

Abstract Advances in low-temperature thermochronology, and the wide range of geologic problems that it is used to investigate, have prompted routine use thermal history (time-temperature, tT) models quantitatively explore evaluate rock cooling ages. As a result, studies investigate topics ranging from Proterozoic tectonics Pleistocene erosion now commonly require substantial numerical modeling effort combines empirical understanding chronometer thermochemical behavior (kinetics) with independent knowledge or hypotheses about study area's (geologic constraints). Although relatively user-friendly programs, such as HeFTy QTQt, are available facilitate modeling, there critical need provide geoscience community more accessible entry points for using these tools. This contribution addresses this by offering an explicit discussion strategies program HeFTy. Using both synthetic data real examples, we illustrate opportunities limitations modeling. We highlight importance testing sensitivity model results design choices describe strategy classifying call Path Family Approach. More broadly, demonstrate how can be build intuitive thermochronologic types capable discriminating among hypotheses.