Oxygen and Hydrogen Isotope Studies of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks and Associated Hydrothermal Alteration

首席研究人员将开发一种新的稳定同位素质谱仪，能够测量非常小样本的氧同位素比率。还将开发一种在线分析微小硅酸盐和氧化物矿物样品的能力，使用一种新的激光氟化技术。后者将导致研究水中流体与矿物和火山玻璃的详细交换行为。此外，还将对几个特定裂谷区环境中的同位素变化进行研究，在这些环境中，裂缝渗透性的增强允许地表水的深层循环。还将进行调查，以更好地了解大陆地壳和上地幔的同位素地球化学。

The principal investigator will develop a new stable isotope mass spectrometer capable of measuring oxygen isotope ratios of very small samples. An on-line capability for analyzing tiny silicate and oxide mineral samples, using a new laser fluorination technique, also will be developed. The latter will lead to a study of detailed exchange behavior of aqueous fluids with minerals and volcanic glasses. Additionally, studies will be conducted on isotopic variations in several specific rift-zone environments where enhanced fracture permeability allows deep circulation of surface waters. Investigations also will take place to better understand the isotope geochemistry of the continental crust and upper mantle.