From Outcrop to Ions: development and application of in-situ isotope ratio measurements to solve geologic problems Active
Project objectives are to (1) develop innovative analytical techniques for isotope geochemistry and U-Pb geochronology using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and (2) apply these techniques to collaborative research projects of high priority to the Mineral Resources Program, including studies related to the formation of "critical mineral" deposits, and studies related to Alaska and U.S. midcontinent regions.
Scientific Issue and Relevance
The Plasma Laboratory houses a new double-focusing multiple-collector plasma ionization mass spectrometer (MC-ICPMS), a Nu Plasma II, and a new 193 nm laser ablation system (RESOlution-SE). This LA-MC-ICPMS is designed to perform in-situ high-precision measurements of radiogenic and stable isotopes of trace elements. The other instrumentation in the Plasma Laboratory includes double-focusing single-collector lasma ionization mass spectrometer (SC-ICPMS), a Nu AttoM ES, and a new Agilent 7900 quadruple (Q) ICPMS. The latter two instruments are primarily used to perform rapid in situ measurements of Pb isotope ratios (i.e., common Pb for tracer studies or radiogenic Pb for U-Pb dating) and trace element abundances.
This project will allow us to (1) develop innovative in-situ analytical techniques for isotope geochemistry and U-Pb geochronology using plasma ionization mass spectrometry and (2) apply our new analytical techniques to collaborative research projects of high priority to the
Mineral Resources Program (MRP), including studies related to the U.S. midcontinent region and Alaska, and/or processes related to the formation of critical mineral deposits.
Methods to Address Issue
Our next major tasks are to refine our existing techniques and establish a series of new methods for isotopic and geochronological research using a philosophy of innovation through collaboration.
Innovation: Our goal is to improve the precision and accuracy of each technique to reach or surpass the cutting edge, while increasing efficiency (i.e., reducing the time and cost per analysis). We are following a phased approach of establishing or refining the analytical techniques from the basics (e.g., in situ U-Pb dating of zircon, apatite, titanite, and rutile, Hf isotopes in zircon; Nd isotopes in monazite) to those with higher risk and greater impact (e.g., St isotopes in apatite, feldspars, carbonates, and barite; Pb isotopes in feldspar and tourmaline; Li isotopes in tourmaline; Nd isotopes in bastnaesite or scheelite; Sn isotopes in cassiterite, or in situ U-Pb dating of ore-related minerals, such as bastnaesite, columbite, cassiterite, or scheelite).
Collaboration: The closely related fields of isotope geochemistry and geochronology are the power tools in the Geologist's tool chest. A major goal of this project is to increase the usage of these tools within the USGS through collaboration with other scientists on current and future MRP projects. We will involve USGS scientists in research with isotopes through a series of case studies related to high-priority Mineral Resources Program projects.
Project tasks are focused on the following activities:
- In-situ Isotope analysis of critical mineral isotope systems for geologic applications
- In-situ U-Pb geochronology of ore-forming and ore-related minerals applied to geologic processes
- In-situ U-Pb geochronology and trace element geochemistry of ore minerals and ore-forming processes
Return to: Mineral Resources Program | Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Alaska Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
Analytical Chemistry
Uranium Mineral Systems
Geophysics of the Midcontinent Rift Region
Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West
Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Research
Iron Oxide-Copper-Cobalt-Gold-Rare Earth Element Deposits of Southeast Missouri—From the Ore Deposit Scale to a Global Deposit Model
Antimony In and Around the Yellow Pine Deposit, Central Idaho
Mineville, Eastern Adirondacks – Geophysical and Geologic Studies
Macro and Micro Analytical Methods Development
Tectonic and Metallogenic Evolution of the Yukon-Tanana Upland, Alaska
Petrology, Tectonic Setting, and Potential for Concentration of Rare Earth Elements (REE) and High Field Strength Elements (HFSE) in the High-K Darby and Kachauik Plutons, Seward Peninsula, Alaska
- Overview
Project objectives are to (1) develop innovative analytical techniques for isotope geochemistry and U-Pb geochronology using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and (2) apply these techniques to collaborative research projects of high priority to the Mineral Resources Program, including studies related to the formation of "critical mineral" deposits, and studies related to Alaska and U.S. midcontinent regions.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsThe major instrumentation in the Plasma Lab that is used for U-Pb dating of accessory and ore minerals, and trace element analyses of geological materials by laser ablation ICPMS. (Credit: Kate Souders, USGS. Public domain.) Scientific Issue and Relevance
The Plasma Laboratory houses a new double-focusing multiple-collector plasma ionization mass spectrometer (MC-ICPMS), a Nu Plasma II, and a new 193 nm laser ablation system (RESOlution-SE). This LA-MC-ICPMS is designed to perform in-situ high-precision measurements of radiogenic and stable isotopes of trace elements. The other instrumentation in the Plasma Laboratory includes double-focusing single-collector lasma ionization mass spectrometer (SC-ICPMS), a Nu AttoM ES, and a new Agilent 7900 quadruple (Q) ICPMS. The latter two instruments are primarily used to perform rapid in situ measurements of Pb isotope ratios (i.e., common Pb for tracer studies or radiogenic Pb for U-Pb dating) and trace element abundances.
This project will allow us to (1) develop innovative in-situ analytical techniques for isotope geochemistry and U-Pb geochronology using plasma ionization mass spectrometry and (2) apply our new analytical techniques to collaborative research projects of high priority to the
Mineral Resources Program (MRP), including studies related to the U.S. midcontinent region and Alaska, and/or processes related to the formation of critical mineral deposits.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsScanning electron microscope (SEM) image of typical laser ablation craters in cassiterite after the LA-ICPMS runs. (Credit: Denver Microbeam Laboratory, USGS. Public domain.) Methods to Address Issue
Our next major tasks are to refine our existing techniques and establish a series of new methods for isotopic and geochronological research using a philosophy of innovation through collaboration.
Innovation: Our goal is to improve the precision and accuracy of each technique to reach or surpass the cutting edge, while increasing efficiency (i.e., reducing the time and cost per analysis). We are following a phased approach of establishing or refining the analytical techniques from the basics (e.g., in situ U-Pb dating of zircon, apatite, titanite, and rutile, Hf isotopes in zircon; Nd isotopes in monazite) to those with higher risk and greater impact (e.g., St isotopes in apatite, feldspars, carbonates, and barite; Pb isotopes in feldspar and tourmaline; Li isotopes in tourmaline; Nd isotopes in bastnaesite or scheelite; Sn isotopes in cassiterite, or in situ U-Pb dating of ore-related minerals, such as bastnaesite, columbite, cassiterite, or scheelite).
Collaboration: The closely related fields of isotope geochemistry and geochronology are the power tools in the Geologist's tool chest. A major goal of this project is to increase the usage of these tools within the USGS through collaboration with other scientists on current and future MRP projects. We will involve USGS scientists in research with isotopes through a series of case studies related to high-priority Mineral Resources Program projects.
Project tasks are focused on the following activities:
- In-situ Isotope analysis of critical mineral isotope systems for geologic applications
- In-situ U-Pb geochronology of ore-forming and ore-related minerals applied to geologic processes
- In-situ U-Pb geochronology and trace element geochemistry of ore minerals and ore-forming processes
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsMetal-free fume hoods in the Clean Lab.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsTera-Wasserburg Concordia diagram for combined cassiterite samples Llallagua and Siglo XX, Llallagua tin deposit, Bolivia. A cathodoluminescence (CL) image of an analyzed crystal fragment is shown as an insert here and in the following figures. Laser spot diameter is 135 μm. (Public domain.)
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsClass-10 drying stations in the Clean Lab, Denver, CO. (Credit: Aaron Pietruszka, USGS. Public domain.)
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsModular workstations for ion-exchange chromatographic separations of single elements from geological materials in the Clean Lab, Denver, CO. Return to: Mineral Resources Program | Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 17Alaska Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
Our objective is to provide a strategic framework for planning, coordination, and execution of the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) in Alaska. Earth MRI aims to improve knowledge of the U.S. geologic framework through new geological and geophysical mapping and to identify areas that have the potential to contain undiscovered critical mineral resources.Analytical Chemistry
The USGS Mineral Resources Program and other USGS scientists need specialized routine analysis in order to conduct their research. The Analytical Chemistry project facilitates the ability of USGS scientists to obtain needed analyses.Uranium Mineral Systems
To assure adequate uranium to supply electricity from nuclear power, the US Geological Survey is working to better understand the genetic controls, distribution, and quantities of domestic uranium. Because of the heavy reliance on imported uranium, scientists also lead international groups of uranium resource experts to monitor world uranium supply. This research benefits the mining industry...Geophysics of the Midcontinent Rift Region
The Midcontinent Rift system and surrounding Precambrian rocks are known to host highly significant mineral resources. Our project objectives are to increase understanding of this system through the integration of new and legacy geophysical data with geochemical and borehole data, map the lithology and structure of PreCambrian rocks, and develop an integrated 3D geologic model of the region.Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West
The Geologic Framework of the Intermountain West (IMW) Project is creating a seamless, integrated, geologic map database that spans the Intermountain West region. The database will serve enhanced geologic map data to support geoscience research, environmental and resource assessments, and the communication of geologic information for all U.S. Geological Survey stakeholders. This innovative...Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Research
The Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project also conducts research on the properties and processes relevant to the Gulf Coast Jurassic-Cretaceous-Tertiary composite total petroleum system (TPS). This research aims to improve ongoing and future undiscovered, technically recoverable hydrocarbon resources assessments on the onshore and State waters portion of the Gulf Coast...Iron Oxide-Copper-Cobalt-Gold-Rare Earth Element Deposits of Southeast Missouri—From the Ore Deposit Scale to a Global Deposit Model
The project main objectives are to: 1) geologically, characterize the setting and origin of the iron-copper-cobalt-gold-rare earth element deposits, and advance the knowledge of rare earth element and Co potential within iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposits of southeast Missouri, and 2) geophysically delineate and characterize the subsurface Precambrian geology using existing ground and new...Antimony In and Around the Yellow Pine Deposit, Central Idaho
Project objectives are to document the origin of the Yellow Pine gold-antimony deposit and, by extension, the origin of this deposit type. Our goal is to understand the structural, tectonic, and magmatic setting of the deposit, the character of the ore-transporting fluids, the conditions of ore deposition, and the regional stratigraphic framework and geochemical ore controls of metasedimentary...Mineville, Eastern Adirondacks – Geophysical and Geologic Studies
The USGS is using a set of advanced imaging and analysis tools to study the rocks within the eastern Adirondacks of upstate New York. The goal of these studies is to gain a better understanding of the geology and mineral resources in the area.Macro and Micro Analytical Methods Development
The Macro and Micro Analytical Methods Development Project (MMAMD) provides access to the expertise of highly experienced research scientists and state of the art analytical instrumentation to develop new and unique analytical capabilities to solve complex problems beyond routine analysis.Tectonic and Metallogenic Evolution of the Yukon-Tanana Upland, Alaska
The Yukon-Tanana upland in eastern interior Alaska is a geologically complex block containing deposits of base-metal, platinum-group-element, and gold-silver-copper mineralization. It also hosts numerous mineral systems that are known or suspected to contain critical minerals.Petrology, Tectonic Setting, and Potential for Concentration of Rare Earth Elements (REE) and High Field Strength Elements (HFSE) in the High-K Darby and Kachauik Plutons, Seward Peninsula, Alaska
One of the geologic environments that host rare earth and other critical and strategic element deposits are alkaline intrusive rocks. - Data
- Publications