Replacement of a 23-year-old analytical system for continuing leading-edge stable isotope research on carbonate minerals

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Carbonates have been ubiquitous on the surface of the earth throughout its geological history. Stable isotope compositions of carbonate minerals, such as corals and speleothems, have been extensively used to unveil Earth's climate and environmental history because isotopic variations in carbonate minerals are controlled by changes in Earth's climate and environment. This proposal is for the replacement of a 23-year-old carbonate analysis system that allowed my stable isotope laboratory at McMaster University to provide a world-class analytical service for numerous internal and external researchers and HQP. Since this central analytical system to my research program is currently inoperative and irreparable, I am requesting urgent funds to acquire an automated analytical system for carbonate minerals that will enable us to retain and enhance our proven analytical ability for the measurement of carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of carbonate minerals. The requested analytical system will be coupled to our existing high-sensitivity gas-source stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer for high analytical precision and sample throughput, creating a value-added research infrastructure and environment. The goal of my NSERC-funded research program is to gain a thorough understanding of stable isotope systematics of carbonate minerals to develop new innovative geochemical tools for reconstructing Earth's climate and environmental history, as well as for probing biosignatures from extraterrestrial carbonates. The anticipated analytical capability and flexibility by acquiring the requested analytical system is not only essential for my research program, but also critical for training and recruitment of my HQP. It should be emphasized that, without the proposed analytical system, my ongoing and future research projects will be significantly delayed and proper training of HQP for a trained stable isotope geochemist in today's competitive job market cannot be provided. The knowledge generated from my research program using the requested analytical system will help researchers to better elucidate Earth's climate and environmental changes and provide key paleoclimate information in building accurate climate models. This will enable our society to better predict future climate variability and prepare appropriate government policies and regulations in a timely manner, ensuring social and economic benefits to our community.