Untitled Document

Current Research within Earth Chemistry

The chemistry and isotope chemistry of natural materials is highly indicative of provenance and process throughout geological history. Our studies range in time from the earliest solar system through to processes that are actively taking place today, and in scope from planetary systems to individual molecules.

Most of our analytical work involves detailed analysis on the microscale, or concentrating trace elements from larger samples for high precision analysis. Isotopic systems can reveal both the nature of the processes involved (stable isotopes) as well as the timing of events (radiogenic isotopes), while chemical abundances can reflect protolith contributions and processes affecting various systems including biologic systems. As revealed in this year's research contributions, analytical work can be applied to topics in tectonics, ore genesis, metamorphic petrology, paleoclimate, paleoecology and regolith dating.

Earth Chemistry research Topics

	Sample analysis	Determination of elemental and isotopic compositions of extraterrestrial materials plays a fundamental role in elucidating the processes that were active in the early solar system.
	U-Th accessory minerals	A number of accessory minerals can be dated by the U-Th-Pb system to obtain a precise age. At RSES, precise U-Pb ages of crystal domains are measured either by SHRIMP ion microprobe or by Laser Ablation – ICPMS. Ages can then be correctly interpreted in geological terms if the environment and conditions of formation (pressure, temperature, fluids, deformation etc…) of the dated mineral are known.
	Early Earth	The record of the earliest Earth has limited geological accessibility. Isotopic records in the most primitive rocks and minerals can be used to look into the earliest processes occurring on planet Earth.

Skip Navigation \| ANU Home \| Search ANU \| Directories
	Research School of Earth Sciences ANU College of Physical Sciences