A Capable Geo- and Thermochronology Lab
Commissioned in 2014, our facility is ideal for studying many earth processes
Instrumentation and Facilities
Overview of the instrumentation and facilities we have.
Fission Track Dating
A low-temperature thermochronometer involving the spontaneous fission of 238U. Can be applied to crystalline rocks and detrital grains. For detrital grains it can be combined with U-Pb techniques to learn more about the source area.
U-Th-Sm/He Dating
A low-temperature thermochronometer based on the accumulation of He in the crystal lattice through alpha-particle decay. We apply this to apatite and zircon using conventional whole grain and new laser-ablation methods.
U-Pb Dating
A geochronometer based on the decay of U to Pb. We currently use the technique to date zircon and apatite from both crystalline rocks and as detrital grains from sedimentary rocks.
Trace and Major Element Mapping
Two- and three-dimensional characterisation of major and trace elemental abundances in a variety of minerals. Often used to understand mineral petrogenesis.