Crustal Imaging and Characterization Team

Development of continuous flow IRMS stable isotope techniques

Task Objectives

The development of continuous flow mass spectrometry (IRMS) has revolutionized our ability to analyze large quantities of small samples of almost any natural material for C, N, O, H and S isotope composition. This ability has in turn revolutionized are ability to apply stable isotopes to the study of ore deposits. This task develops stable isotope techniaues using combustion flow IRMS combined with microsampling techniques to ensre that the ennormous potential of stable isotope geochemistry is made available to scientists in this project and through out the Mineral Resources Program.

The objective of the task is to develop state of the art continous flow IRMS stable isotope techniques for C, H, N, O, S, analyses of small samples of minerals solutions species, liquids, and organic matter.

Statement of Work

Development of continous flow IRMS techniqueswhich increase productivity and create opportunities for new science in support of USGS Science Mission will continue as follows:

1. Continuous flow techniques for 18O silicates have proven extremely difficult. We are currently working with laboratory at Yale University and a private company to develop this technique for oxides such as hematite and magnetite and silicate minerals other than quartz.
2. Efforts to integrate LA-ICP-MS analyses of the chemistry of single fluid inclusions, noble gas isotope chemistry, active gas chemistry and stable isotope composition of inclusion fluids will continue.
3. Development of technique to analyze sulfur isotope composition of conodonts will continue as will the sulfur isotope composition of organic material using gas bench on the ThermoFinnigan Delta XP mass spectrometer.
4. Attempts to refine direct sulfur isotope analyses of organic matter and other matrices containing small amounts of sulfur will continue.

References to non-USGS products and services are provided for information only and do not constitute endorsement or warranty, express or implied, by the USGS, USDOI, or U.S. Government, as to their suitability, content, usefulness, functions, completeness, or accuracy.

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