Fluid Inclusion Microthermometry Stage

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This proposal is for the purchase of replacement equipment used for making non-destructive temperature measurements of phase transitions in fluid inclusions in minerals. Fluid inclusions are microscopic pockets of liquid or gas trapped within hydrothermal minerals at the time of their crystallization, and therefore represent actual samples of the fluids from which these minerals grew. Measurement of the temperature of phase changes such as ice melting points can provide information about the salinity and general composition of these fluids, while high temperature measurements provide minimum estimates of their original temperatures. The measurements are relatively simple, quick, and cheap to obtain with the equipment requested in this proposal, and the resulting data are typically a key component in studies of the formation of hydrothermal ore deposits, and the maturation and migration of hydrocarbons. In particular, microthermometric measurements are an essential initial step before more detailed analytical work, such as crush-leach analysis of fluid inclusion solutes (as carried out in co-applicant Gleeson's lab), can be conducted. Many of our research students have been using and will use this equipment in their studies.