Geochemistry and Tracer Studies

Radiogenic isotopic tracers (Pb, Nd, Hf, Sr, and U) can be used to provide information regarding geologic processes such as magma evolution as well as information regarding sources of magmas and sediments, sources of metals (man-caused or natural) in various ecosystems, and baseline data for environmentally pristine ecosystems. Sr and U isotopes are being increasingly applied to hydrologic problems as natural tracers of flow path and as indicators of mixing of waters from discrete aquifers. The isotope facility also provides concentration data for elements such as Cd, In, Sb, Ag, Tl, U, and Pb (by isotope dilution mass spectrometry) which may be present at levels below the detection limit of other techniques. The Central Region stable isotope and gas chemistry laboratory is one of the world's premier ore deposit and geothermal research centers, as well as a unique facility for the study of the role of greenhouse gases and aerosols in global climate change and environmental issues. The laboratory is the only one in the world to use a stable isotope hydrologic problems as natural tracers of flow path and as indicators of mixing of waters from discrete aquifers. The isotope facility also provides concentration data for elements such as Cd, In, Sb, Ag, Tl, U, and Pb (by isotope dilution mass spectrometry) which may be present at levels below the detection limit of other techniques

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Pb SYSTEM Technique Equipment Contacts Sr SYSTEM Technique Equipment Contacts Nd SYSTEM Technique Equipment Contacts Hf SYSTEM Technique Equipment Contacts STABLE ISOTOPES Carbon 13 Technique Equipment Contacts Oxygen 18 Technique Equipment Contacts Sulfur 34 Technique Equipment Contacts   Nitrogen 15 Technique Equipment Contacts   Hydrogen   Technique Equipment Contacts

GAS GEOCHEMISTRY Technique Equipment Contacts RARE GASES He SYSTEM Technique Equipment Contacts   Ne SYSTEM Technique Equipment Contacts   Ar SYSTEM Technique Equipment Contacts   Kr SYSTEM Technique Equipment Contacts   Xe SYSTEM Technique Equipment Contacts ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Technique Equipment Contacts THERMOMETRY Fluid Inclusion Microthermometry Technique Equipment Contacts   Color Alteration Index of Phosphatic Microfossils Technique Equipment Contacts

| Capabilities | | Geochronology, Geochemistry, and Tracer Studies  |

URL http://geology.cr.usgs.gov/capabilities/gronemtrac/geochem/geochem.html