Hafnium Isotope Constraints on the Source Characteristics of Normal Mid-ocean Ridge Basalts

智力优势：这项研究旨在获得高空间分辨率、高精度的同位素数据，以解决有关洋中脊玄武岩生成的基本问题。 将根据两个模型预测的不同分布的低度熔体沿着脊的基础上，测试两个相互竞争的假设的洋壳的生成。 由于玄武岩的化学成分强烈依赖于融化的程度，因此该项目着眼于微量元素和关键指示同位素，如铪、钕、铅和锶，以确定哪种模型是正确的。 已经获得样本的案例研究是北纬6度至19度之间的东太平洋海隆。结果将与大西洋中脊的数据进行比较。 化学分析将使用最近安装在佛罗里达州立大学的新ICPMS进行。 更广泛的影响：这个项目将支持研究生和本科生。 它还为多用户激光ICPMS设施提供核心支持，该设施专注于培训学生。 高中教师也将通过一个正在进行的暑期项目接触这项研究，让他们和他们的学生接触科学发现。

Intellectual Merit: This research seeks to obtain high-spatial resolution, high-precision isotopic data to address fundamental questions on the generation of mid-ocean ridge basalts. Two competing hypotheses for the generation of ocean crust will be tested on the basis that the two models predict different distributions of low-degree melts along the ridge. Because basalt chemistry is strongly dependent on the degree of melting this project looks at trace elements and key indicator isotopes such as Hafnium, Neodymium, Lead, and Strontium to determine which model is correct. The case study from which samples have already been obtained is the East Pacific Rise between 6oN and 19oN. Results will be compared to data from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Chemical analyses will be made using the new ICPMS that was recently installed at Florida State University. Broader Impacts: This project will support a graduate student and undergraduates. It also provides core support for a multi-user laser ICPMS facility which has a focus on training students. High school teachers will also be exposed to this research through an ongoing summer program to expose them and their students to scientific discovery.