Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Bidong Zhang, Yangting Lin, Desmond E. Moser, Paul H. Warren, Jialong Hao, Ivan R. Barker, Sean R. Shieh, Audrey Bouvier
Summary: The study examines the geochronology of lunar Mg-suite magmatic rocks, suggesting they originated from mafic intrusions into the anorthositic flotation crust of the lunar magma ocean. Analysis of zircon and baddeleyite indicates a crystallization age of approximately 4.33 billion years for the Mg-suite rocks, which is slightly younger than related ferroan anorthosites.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jia-Long Hao, Wei Yang, Sen Hu, Rui-ying Li, Jiang-Long Ji, Hitesh G. Changela, Yang-Ting Lin
Summary: This paper presents a novel Pb-Pb and U-Pb analytical method at a sub-micron scale using a NanoSIMS with a new RF ion source. The technique allows for high spatial resolution but may introduce depth effects, requiring adjustments in the scan area to eliminate mass fractionation. Results from zircon and lunar samples are in good agreement with reference ages within analytical uncertainties.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Craig Robert Walton, Heejin Jeon, Ana Cernok, Auriol S. P. Rae, Ioannis Baziotis, Fengzai Tang, Venkata S. C. Kuppili, Ludovic Ferrierej, James Darling, Sen Hu, Martin J. Whitehouse, Mahesh Anand, Oliver Shorttle
Summary: The thermal history of asteroids can be understood through the radioisotopic ages of meteorites. This study presents new in-situ apatite U-Pb ages for nine L chondrite meteorites, expanding the age record and providing evidence for different stages in the thermal evolution of the L chondrite parent asteroid. The results also suggest a single parent asteroid for most L chondrites, which has been disturbed to form an asteroid family.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Geology
Fuyun Cong, Jinqiang Tian, Fang Hao, Andrew R. C. Kylander-Clark, Wenqing Pan, Baoshou Zhang
Summary: Secondary oil migration processes can be quantitatively constrained using oil-inclusion fluorescence and in situ calcite U-Pb dating. The study revealed two main oil charge events and a northward-decreasing trend for oil maturity during single charge events. Active faults and dilatant fractures along faults act as major vertical oil-migration pathways.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
A. A. Nemchin, M. D. Norman, M. L. Grange, R. A. Zeigler, M. J. Whitehouse, J. R. Muhling, R. Merle
Summary: This study conducted a U-Th-Pb isotopic and geochemical analysis of impact glasses from Apollo 14 soil 14163. The results show a bimodal distribution of formation ages for lunar glasses, with peaks at around 100 Ma and 500 Ma. These age clusters likely represent primary formation ages during impact events.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Hugo K. H. Olierook, Christopher L. Kirkland, Milo Barham, Matthew L. Daggitt, Julie Hollis, Michael Hartnady
Summary: The study presents a technique to rapidly extract meaningful core model ages from core-rim mixtures, along with a Python-based program for easy application of this approach. The efficacy of the technique is demonstrated on a detrital sample from East Greenland, recovering dates of detrital cores from core-rim mixtures. Caution is advised against using this technique without checking the appropriateness of the underlying assumptions, and chemical means are provided for evaluating the assumptions.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Bidong Zhang, Yangting Lin, Desmond E. Moser, Jialong Hao, Yu Liu, Jianchao Zhang, Ivan R. Barker, Qiuli Li, Sean R. Shieh, Audrey Bouvier
Summary: In situ U-Pb radiometric dating of zircons is a widely used method to determine geochronologic ages, but recent studies suggest that radiogenic Pb mobilization within zircon may lead to inaccurate age determinations with unknown geological significance. This study investigated Pb mobilization in shock metamorphosed lunar zircons, revealing heterogeneous distribution of radiogenic Pb within single grains and potential impact of shock-related deformation on Pb* migration. The results imply that large errors in U-Pb ages could obscure reverse discordance and bias the oldest Pb-207/Pb-206 ages to older values, or be explained by mixing of Pb-retention and Pb-loss nanodomains.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xiao-Xiao Ling, Qiu-Li Li, Magdalena H. Huyskens, Yu Liu, Qing-Zhu Yin, Guo-Qiang Tang, Jiao Li, Hua-Feng Zhang, Sergey G. Skublov, Aleksey E. Melnik, Xian-Hua Li
Summary: Titanite is a uranium-bearing mineral that is useful for dating geological events. This study investigates the matrix effect in SIMS U-Pb dating of titanite and develops a calibration protocol to improve the accuracy of the method, resulting in a more accurate thermal history of the samples.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Wenhao Zhao, Qiuli Li, Yu Liu, Guoqiang Tang, Xiaoxiao Ling, Jiao Li, Xianhua Li
Summary: Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) zircon U-Pb dating can be used to determine the absolute ages of magmatic or metamorphic events and distinguish multiple events. This study compiled a dataset of zircon standards dating data to evaluate the long-term external reproducibility and analyzed the uncertainties of single-spot and session analyses.
JOURNAL OF EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
G. Magnarini, P. M. Grindrod, T. M. Mitchell
Summary: The South Massif and Taurus-Littrow valley provide valuable insights into recent geological processes on the Moon. The presence of overlapping landslide deposits and boulder falls suggests ongoing instability on the northeast slope of the South Massif. The discovery of a young lobate scarp and thrust fault implies seismic activity as a trigger for surface changes and mass-wasting events in the region. This study enhances our understanding of slope deformation on the South Massif beyond the younger landslide deposit.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Andre N. Paul, Richard A. Spikings, Sean P. Gaynor
Summary: New Isotope Dilution Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (ID-TIMS) U-Pb reference ages for apatites from type locations Durango, Cerro de Mercado, Mexico and Wilberforce, Ontario, Canada are presented. The use of 3-D isochrons using data obtained from Durango apatite can reduce the impact of unknown Pb processes and provide accurate dates.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
C. J. Barnes, J. Majka, P. Jeanneret, G. Ziemniak, E. Kooijman, K. Kosminska, M. Kielman-Schmitt, D. A. Schneider
Summary: Geochronology of Th-rich minerals benefits from utilizing three isotopic systems for accurate data assessment. The Pb-208/Th-232 system is particularly advantageous in cases with initial Pb components, as it is the least sensitive to initial Pb effects. Laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry has been used to successfully date different generations of monazite and interpret their formation processes.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Samuele Boschi, Xiao-Lei Wang, Hejiu Hui, Zongjun Yin, Yue Guan, Huan Hu, Wenlan Zhang, Jiayang Chen, Weiqiang Li
Summary: China's Chang'e-5 mission successfully returned lunar material from the Oceanus Procellarum region, which has young ages similar to 2.0 Ga. A comprehensive investigation was conducted on a CE-5 basalt clast, revealing a low-Ti basalt end-member with peculiar mineral composition dominated by pigeonite. Despite these peculiarities, the dating results are consistent with other CE-5 samples. This study concludes that the lunar basalts obtained from the CE-5 mission originated from a low-Ti mare basalt-type source.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-PLANETS
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Rujun Guo, Xilin Sun, Chang'an Li, Yawei Li, Chuanyi Wei, Zengjie Zhang, Yonghui Leng, Urs Kloetzli, Guonai Li, Lingyun Lv, Xu Chen
Summary: The modern drainage patterns in eastern Tibet are closely related to the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. The formation time and flow direction of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River have been vigorously debated in different studies. By compiling detrital zircon U-Pb ages from different basins, the evolution of the Yangtze River has been reconstructed.
PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Herrmann, Ulf Soderlund, Anders Schersten, Tomas Naeraa, Sanna Holm-Alwmark, Carl Alwmark
Summary: The study analyzed U-Pb zircon data from granitoid rocks around the Siljan impact structure in Sweden, revealing that zircon grains within the structure experienced less radiogenic Pb loss compared to those outside. It is suggested that zircon in the central plateau of the structure remained crystalline due to continuous annealing, while zircon grains distal to the impact accumulated radiation damage. The research helps interpret variably discordant zircon data, indicating that the lower intercepts are likely recording fluid-assisted Pb loss from radiation-damaged zircon rather than regional magmatic or tectonic events.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Alexander A. Nemchin, Tao Long, Bradley L. Jolliff, Yusheng Wan, Joshua F. Snape, Ryan Zeigler, Marion L. Grange, Dunyi Liu, Martin J. Whitehouse, Nicholas E. Timms, Fred Jourdan
Summary: This study presents new U-Pb ages for Apollo 14 and other lunar breccia samples, suggesting that the Imbrium impact occurred approximately 3922 million years ago. Results indicate that 36 samples can be interpreted as representing the formation of the Imbrium basin, supporting the conclusion that Imbrium material was widely distributed across the near side of the Moon. Additionally, 10 samples with ages about 50 million years younger than 3922 million years may represent a separate single impact event on the Moon, warranting further investigation to enhance our understanding of lunar impact history.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
T. E. Johnson, L. J. Morrissey, A. A. Nemchin, N. J. Gardiner, J. F. Snape
Summary: Despite decades of research on the formation and evolution of the Moon, many questions still remain unanswered. Recent thermodynamic models have provided detailed constraints on the compositional, mineralogical, and density structure of the lunar interior, laying the foundation for future research on the origin and evolution of the Moon.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Heejin Jeon, Martin J. Whitehouse
Summary: This study evaluates potential interferences affecting the Sr isotope analysis of apatite by SIMS and develops a protocol for analysis and data processing that can be applied across a wide range of Sr concentrations. Despite challenges in low Sr apatite, using an empirical correction for interferences and ensuring careful control of peak shape can lead to accurate and precise measurements. A slightly positive offset in Sr-87/Sr-86 observed across different analytical conditions can also be corrected empirically, resulting in good accuracy and precision in the final corrected Sr-87/Sr-86 values.
GEOSTANDARDS AND GEOANALYTICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Rachel A. Foster, Daniela Tienken, Sten Littmann, Martin J. Whitehouse, Marcel M. M. Kuypers, Angelicque E. White
Summary: N-2 fixation by filamentous cyanobacteria forms important nitrogen sources in the open sea, particularly in symbiosis with diatoms. This study reveals the relationship between host photosynthesis and nitrogen and carbon fixation by symbiotic organisms, as well as the carbon and nitrogen exchange between symbionts and hosts. Additionally, a size-dependent pattern in nitrogen and carbon fixation rates is identified, with larger cells having higher rates, and light dependence is found in N-2 fixation.
Article
Geology
Victoria Pease, Fitsum G. Yeshanew, Martin J. Whitehouse
Summary: New U-Pb zircon geochronology using high-spatial resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry reveals the crystallization ages of granitoids from the Asir composite terrane in Saudi Arabia; Ages of different periods reflect various tectonic events and crustal evolution, highlighting a significant crustal thickening event around 650 Ma and erosion starting before 625 Ma in this part of the Arabian Shield.
INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGY REVIEW
(2022)
Correction
Ecology
Rachel A. Foster, Daniela Tienken, Sten Littmann, Martin J. Whitehouse, Marcel M. M. Kuypers, Angelicque E. White
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Joshua F. Snape, Alexander A. Nemchin, Tim Johnson, Stefanie Luginbuhl, Jasper Berndt, Stephan Klemme, Laura J. Morrissey, Wim van Westrenen
Summary: This study investigates the mineral-melt trace element partitioning behavior during the crystallization of the Lunar Magma Ocean (LMO) through high pressure and temperature experiments. The experimental data are compared with previous studies to establish partition coefficients for each element in evolving compositions of minerals. The calculated ratios of long-lived radiogenic isotopes in lunar basalts and evolved lithologies are consistent with predictions, except for the wide range of 238U/204Pb source ratios in basaltic lunar samples. It is suggested that the Moon experienced significant volatile loss towards the end of LMO crystallization, leading to the observed U-Pb fractionation.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gavin G. Kenny, William R. Hyde, Michael Storey, Adam A. Garde, Martin J. Whitehouse, Pierre Beck, Leif Johansson, Anne Sofie Sondergaard, Anders A. Bjork, Joseph A. MacGregor, Shfaqat A. Khan, Jeremie Mouginot, Brandon C. Johnson, Elizabeth A. Silber, Daniel K. P. Wielandt, Kurt H. Kjaer, Nicolaj K. Larsen
Summary: The Hiawatha structure beneath Hiawatha Glacier in northwestern Greenland is proposed as an impact structure that predates the Pleistocene glaciation. Dating analyses suggest that the impact occurred around 57.99 Ma, during the Paleocene period. The significance of the impact on the paleoenvironment and climate still requires further investigation.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
S. Demidova, M. J. Whitehouse, R. Merle, A. A. Nemchin, G. G. Kenny, F. Brandstatter, Th Ntaflos, I Dobryden
Summary: Despite the intense history of meteorite impacts on the Moon, only a small amount of meteoritic material has been found in the samples returned to Earth. However, a study of a fragment collected by the Luna 16 mission suggests that it has a non-lunar origin and may come from an LL chondrite similar to near-Earth stony asteroids. These findings are important in understanding the impact history of the Earth-Moon system.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Kieran A. Iles, Arto V. Luttinen, Christoph Beier, Jussi S. Heinonen, Martin J. Whitehouse, Sanni T. Turunen
Summary: The Karoo large igneous province can be divided into rift zone and basin-related groups. The picrites from the Luenha river in Mozambique represent the latter group. New data on O isotopes, major and trace elements for olivine combined with MELTS crystallization modeling reveal compositional diversity associated with magma differentiation and source heterogeneity. These data indicate contributions from two mantle sources, one with elevated δ18O and another with more typical mantle δ18O.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Andreas Petersson, Anthony I. S. Kemp, Maud Boyet, Martin J. Whitehouse, Matilda Boyce, Malcolm Roberts, Allen Kennedy
Summary: This study assesses the reliability of the Sm-Nd system in the oldest rocks in the Pilbara Craton using petrography, element mapping, and microanalysis of accessory minerals, along with whole rock Sm-Nd data. The results show that despite multiple thermal events and breakdown of the REE-rich mineral allanite, the Mount Webber rocks retained the Sm-Nd isotope signatures of their magmatic protoliths at the whole-rock scale. The study highlights the benefits of a combined analytical approach to obtain a more complete record of the source and thermal evolution of ancient, highly metamorphosed igneous rocks.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Rickard Stenow, Elizabeth K. Robertson, Martin J. Whitehouse, Helle Ploug
Summary: This study investigates the cell-specific activities of a chain-forming diatom and its interactions with attached bacteria using stable isotopic tracers and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The results show that, under nutrient limitation, there is low variance of assimilation within diatom chains, with attached bacteria able to obtain nutrients from the assimilates. However, as the chain length decreases, assimilation in the solitary cells becomes more significant. In the late stationary phase, cells with different activities coexist within the same chain, and bacterial remineralization and nutrient transfer between neighboring cells may play an important role in cell survival under nitrogen-limited conditions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sara Callegaro, Don R. Baker, Paul R. Renne, Leone Melluso, Kalotina Geraki, Martin J. Whitehouse, Angelo De Min, Andrea Marzoli
Summary: This study investigates the sulfur and fluorine budgets of Deccan lavas from India and their potential impact on the environment. The results show that volcanic fluorine budgets varied, indicating a regional effect on the environment. The highest sulfur budgets were found in Deccan lavas just prior to the extinction interval, while later basalts had lower sulfur content. This suggests that volcanic sulfur emissions may have caused global temperature drops before the asteroid impact.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Henrik Drake, Magnus Ivarsson, Christine Heim, Oona Snoeyenbos-West, Stefan Bengtson, Veneta Belivanova, Martin Whitehouse
Summary: Recent discoveries have found fossilized fungi in deep underground volcanic rock fractures, playing a role in methanogenesis by producing H-2 for autotrophic methanogens. This suggests that fungi may be widespread decomposers of organic matter on Earth and overlooked providers of fuel to autotrophs in the vast rock-hosted deep biosphere.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Cernok, Lee F. White, Mahesh Anand, Kimberly T. Tait, James R. Darling, Martin Whitehouse, Katarina Miljkovic, Myriam Lemelin, Steven M. Reddy, Denis Fougerouse, William D. A. Rickard, David W. Saxey, Rebecca Ghent
Summary: Research on lunar samples has revealed a phosphate mineral that records an impact event around 4.2 billion years ago and a disturbance around 0.5 billion years ago. The older event is attributed to the formation of the Serenitatis Basin, while the younger event may be related to the Dawes crater.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)