Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Maria C. Valdes, Katherine R. Bermingham, Shichun Huang, Justin I. Simon
Summary: Significant advancements in analytical capabilities in the past decade have led to a marked increase in the use of Ca isotopes to understand the evolution of the Solar System and Earth. This study discusses mass-dependent and non-mass-dependent Ca isotopic variations, as well as how these isotopes record nebular processes and contribute to tracing the nature and timing of stellar mass contributions. The research also explores the effects of various processes on meteorite compositions and attempts to develop a comprehensive model of the chemical and isotopic evolution of the Solar nebula into our planetary system.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Merlin Meheut, Mauricio Ibanez-Mejia, Francois L. H. Tissot
Summary: The text discusses conflicting results on the mechanisms of Zr isotope fractionation in igneous systems, suggesting that equilibrium effects driven by vibrational energy or nuclear volume, and diffusion-driven kinetic effects may not fully explain the extreme natural variability in Zr isotope ratios. Instead, diffusion in silicate magmas leading to the development of Zr diffusive boundary layers is proposed as a viable mechanism for producing mass-dependent isotope fractionations similar to those observed in natural systems.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
G. J. MacPherson, A. N. Krot, N. T. Kita, E. S. Bullock, K. Nagashima, T. Ushikubo, M. A. Ivanova
Summary: The evolution of CAIs into Type B inclusions presents a new solar nebula model, different from the conventional condensation model, with the formation of pyroxene and anorthite influenced by the addition of silicon from the gas and reaction with melilite, respectively.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
S. A. Bennett, K. Garrett, D. K. Sharp, S. J. Freeman, A. G. Smith, T. J. Wright, B. P. Kay, T. L. Tang, I. A. Tolstukhin, Y. Ayyad, J. Chen, P. J. Davies, A. Dolan, L. P. Gaffney, A. Heinz, C. R. Hoffman, C. Muller-Gatermann, R. D. Page, G. L. Wilson
Summary: We present a novel technique for obtaining fission data for nuclei that are not in beta stability. These data are important for understanding the astrophysical r process, the origin of heavy elements, and developing predictive models for fission. They are also relevant for terrestrial applications in power generation and safeguarding. The solenoidal spectrometer technique, commonly used for studying nucleon-transfer reactions in inverse kinematics, has been successfully applied to deduce the fission-barrier height of 239U via the 238U(d, pf) reaction, confirming the validity of this technique.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Victoria E. Devlin McLoughlin, Quinn R. Shollenberger, Gregory A. Brennecka
Summary: We investigate the 143Nd/144Nd compositions of 28 uranium ore concentrate samples using an improved chemical separation technique and plasma-source multi-collector mass spectrometry. The results show highly variable 143Nd/144Nd in these samples, which likely reflects the geology of the source ore deposit. Therefore, 143Nd/144Nd can serve as a powerful comparative signature in a nuclear forensics investigation involving unregulated uranium ore concentrate.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Elin M. Morton, Katharina Kreissig, Barry J. Coles, Caris S. Jaffe, Rayssa Martins, Graeme M. Poole, Mark Rehkaemper
Summary: This study presents a new method for determining mass-dependent Te isotope compositions, which combines a novel column chromatographic procedure with a robust Te-125-Te-128 double spike and optimized multi collector ICP-MS protocols. The method allows for precise determination of the mass-dependent Te-130/Te-125 isotope ratio using small amounts of natural Te. The study also demonstrates the efficacy of the method through repeat analyses of reference materials and meteorites.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ying-Kui Xu, Zhi Li, Shi-Jie Li, Ze-Zhou Wang, De-Liang Wang, Yan Fan, Xiong-Yao Li, Jian-Zhong Liu, Dan Zhu
Summary: This study investigates the behavior of potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) during impacts by analyzing the compositions and isotopic values of shock melt pockets (SMPs) and unmelted parts of ordinary chondrites. The results show that K is enriched and Zn is depleted in SMPs compared to the bulk rocks, and there is isotopic fractionation observed for both elements. This study enhances our understanding of MVEs and their distribution in the solar system.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Erik J. Oerter, Michael Singleton, Eric Pili, Michael R. Klosterman, Aldo Shemesh, Pierre Agrinier, Amanda Deinhart, Ruth Yam, Maor Assulin, Eyal Elish, Luther McDonald Iv, Travis Tenner, Ruth Kips
Summary: This paper summarizes the results from four laboratories using different methods of oxygen stable isotope analysis on CRM 125-A UO2 Standard Reference Material. The consensus oxygen stable isotope composition for CRM 125-A is determined to be 818O = -9.63‰ (± 0.29‰) VSMOW. The paper discusses methodological differences, calibration strategies, and the potential effects of calibration scale compression. The use of liquid water calibration standards sealed in silver capillary tubes for multi-point calibrations of fluorination analysis systems is suggested.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maor Assulin, Ruth Yam, Michal Brandis, Arnon Rubinshtein, Revital Sasson-Zukran, Eyal Elish, Aldo Shemesh
Summary: This study aims to expand traditional characterization analytical techniques by measuring the oxygen isotopic composition of various uranium oxides and ore concentrates, providing insights into the manufacturing processes of nuclear fuel materials. The research also reveals the challenge of measuring isotope composition in hydrated forms of uranium oxides and the anomalous oxygen content in U3O8, suggesting potential oxygen loss or the presence of multiple phases within the system.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Richard M. Gaschnig, Christopher T. Reinhard, Noah J. Planavsky, Xiangli Wang, Dan Asael, Matthew G. Jackson
Summary: Molybdenum and uranium isotopes show significant variability in lava samples from Pitcairn, the Samoan Islands, and St. Helena. Most samples have lower δMo-98 values compared to MORB, but similar δU-238 values. Influence of subducted sediments and incorporation of ancient subducted ocean crust may contribute to the observed isotopic compositions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jin Wang, Meiling Yin, Juan Liu, Chuan-Chou Shen, Tsai-Luen Yu, Hong-Chun Li, Qiaohui Zhong, Guodong Sheng, Ke Lin, Xiuyang Jiang, Hongliang Dong, Siyu Liu, Tangfu Xiao
Summary: The study found that U contamination and mobilization-release risk are high in reservoir sediments in the U mine area, influenced by discharge of U-containing wastewater. Using U/Th activity ratios and U isotopic compositions, the sources and geochemical behaviors of U in sediments can be inferred to be greatly affected by wastewater discharge and natural processes. The results demonstrate that U-Th isotopes are a powerful tool for better understanding U geochemical processes affected by multiple sources.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pierre Lefebvre, Alkiviadis Gourgiotis, Arnaud Mangeret, Pierre Sabatier, Pierre Le Pape, Olivier Diez, Pascale Louvat, Nicolas Menguy, Pauline Merrot, Camille Baya, Mathilde Zebracki, Pascale Blanchart, Emmanuel Malet, Didier Jezequel, Jean-Louis Reyss, John R. Bargar, Jerome Gaillardet, Charlotte Cazala, Guillaume Morin
Summary: The study investigates the evolution of uranium speciation in naturally highly uranium-enriched sediments over a period of 3,300 years. It reveals that mononuclear U(IV) species associated with organic matter transformed into polymeric U(IV)-silica species, which then partially converted to a nanocrystalline coffinite-like phase in less than 700 years. The incomplete transformation observed suggests implications for the long-term management of uranium-contaminated sediments and uranium-bearing wastes in silica-rich subsurface environments.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Quinn R. Shollenberger, Lars E. Borg, Erick C. Ramon, Michael A. Sharp, Gregory A. Brennecka
Summary: Uranium ore concentrate (UOC) is a regulated product in the nuclear fuel cycle, with concerns about diversion for weapons production. Isotopic signatures, such as those of Samarium (Sm), can help trace the origin of seized nuclear materials. This study shows that Sm isotopes can be used as a novel nuclear forensics signature for assessing the origin of UOCs.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
M. Paquet, Paolo A. Sossi, Frederic Moynier
Summary: Reveals the depletion of moderately volatile elements on Earth and Mars and the differences in zinc isotope composition.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yulia Mishchenko, Kyle D. Johnson, Janne Wallenius, Denise Adorno Lopes
Summary: In this study, composite UN-AlN, UN-Cr, UN-CrN, and UN-AlN-CrN pellets were fabricated, obtaining an advanced microstructure with different modes of interaction between phases. The results allowed for the assessment of a methodology for fabricating UN composites with controlled microstructure, including the observation of the ternary U2CrN3 phase in pellets containing Cr and CrN dopants.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jia-Xin She, Edith Kubik, Weiqiang Li, Frederic Moynier
Summary: This study analyzed the Sn stable isotope compositions of 27 basalts from different geochemical and geological backgrounds in mid-ocean ridges to constrain the Sn isotope composition of the depleted mantle source. The study confirmed the limited Sn isotopic variability between fresh mid-ocean ridge basalts globally, suggesting the Sn isotopic homogeneity of the depleted mantle source.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jing-Liang Guo, Zaicong Wang, Wen Zhang, Lanping Feng, Frederic Moynier, Zhaochu Hu, Lian Zhou, Yongsheng Liu
Summary: Zirconium is widely used to trace the differentiation of terrestrial planets and plays a crucial role in zircon, providing constraints on the history of the Earth. Stable Zr isotopes have shown potential in tracing magma differentiation and can reveal zircon crystallization kinetics and magma dynamics. Although the Zr isotope variability and fractionation mechanisms are complex, studies suggest that bulk-rock Zr isotopes can be used to trace the differentiation of felsic magmas. Integrated with other geochemical and isotopic tools, stable Zr isotopes may provide new insight into the dynamic history of diverse igneous systems through time.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Kun-Feng Qiu, Jun Deng, Crystal Laflamme, Zheng-Yu Long, Ruo-Qi Wan, Frederic Moynier, Hao-Cheng Yu, Jing-Yuan Zhang, Zheng-Jiang Ding, Richard Goldfarb
Summary: Orogenic gold deposits account for a significant portion of global gold resources, and determining their origin is crucial for prospecting new deposits. The Jiaodong gold province in China provides an opportunity to study the gold source due to its unique geological setting. By analyzing sulfur isotopes in pyrite grains from multiple gold deposits in the region, it was found that Archean metasedimentary rocks are not a source reservoir for sulfur and gold. Instead, the isotopically heavy S suggests a contribution from a subducted oceanic slab and its sediments. The release of gold and sulfur during subduction-related metamorphism played a crucial role in the formation of these giant orogenic gold deposits.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Zhaoxian Zhu, Wen Zhang, Jionghui Wang, Zaicong Wang, Jing-Liang Guo, J. Elis Hoffmann, Lanping Feng, Tao Luo, Zhaochu Hu, Yongsheng Liu, Frederic Moynier
Summary: This study investigates the zircon zirconium (Zr) isotope variations in a large granite batholith in the Jiaodong Peninsula, eastern North China Craton. It reveals that magmatic zircons can display different Zr isotopic compositions, which are likely controlled by magma differentiation during crystallization. The findings provide a fundamental framework for understanding zircon Zr isotopic evolution in the silicic igneous system and exploring open-system magmatic processes.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Wei Dai, Zaicong Wang, Zong-Feng Yang, Yongsheng Liu, Chunfei Chen, Lanping Feng, Lian Zhou, Ming Li, Wen Zhang, Frederic Moynier
Summary: Plagioclase crystallization is a common process in mafic magma evolution. The Ca isotopic fractionation of plagioclase from parental magmas is predicted to be limited, but natural samples show variable Ca isotopic variation, indicating the complexity of natural processes. By measuring the Ca isotopic composition of plagioclase phenocrysts and basaltic matrix in Emeishan basalts, the study confirms negligible equilibrium Ca isotope fractionation between plagioclase and basaltic melts, but significant Ca isotope variation caused by complex magma mixing and secondary fluid-induced disturbance.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Marine Paquet, Frederic Moynier, Tetsuya Yokoyama, Wei Dai, Yan Hu, Yoshinari Abe, Jerome Aleon, Conel M. O'D. Alexander, Sachiko Amari, Yuri Amelin, Ken-ichi Bajo, Martin Bizzarro, Audrey Bouvier, Richard W. Carlson, Marc Chaussidon, Byeon-Gak Choi, Nicolas Dauphas, Andrew M. Davis, Tommaso Di Rocco, Wataru Fujiya, Ryota Fukai, Ikshu Gautam, Makiko K. Haba, Yuki Hibiya, Hiroshi Hidaka, Hisashi Homma, Peter Hoppe, Gary R. Huss, Kiyohiro Ichida, Tsuyoshi Iizuka, Trevor R. Ireland, Akira Ishikawa, Motoo Ito, Shoichi Itoh, Noriyuki Kawasaki, Noriko T. Kita, Kouki Kitajima, Thorsten Kleine, Shintaro Komatani, Alexander N. Krot, Ming-Chang Liu, Yuki Masuda, Kevin D. McKeegan, Mayu Morita, Kazuko Motomura, Izumi Nakai, Kazuhide Nagashima, David Nesvorny, Ann N. Nguyen, Larry Nittler, Morihiko Onose, Andreas Pack, Changkun Park, Laurette Piani, Liping Qin, Sara S. Russell, Naoya Sakamoto, Maria Schoenbaechler, Lauren Tafla, Haolan Tang, Kentaro Terada, Yasuko Terada, Tomohiro Usui, Sohei Wada, Meenakshi Wadhwa, Richard J. Walker, Katsuyuki Yamashita, Qing-Zhu Yin, Shigekazu Yoneda, Edward D. Young, Hiroharu Yui, Ai-Cheng Zhang, Tomoki Nakamura, Hiroshi Naraoka, Takaaki Noguchi, Ryuji Okazaki, Kanako Sakamoto, Hikaru Yabuta, Masanao Abe, Akiko Miyazaki, Aiko Nakato, Masahiro Nishimura, Tatsuaki Okada, Toru Yada, Kasumi Yogata, Satoru Nakazawa, Takanao Saiki, Satoshi Tanaka, Fuyuto Terui, Yuichi Tsuda, Sei-ichiro Watanabe, Makoto Yoshikawa, Shogo Tachibana, Hisayoshi Yurimoto
Summary: Initial analyses indicate that asteroid Ryugu has a composition similar to CI carbonaceous chondrites, which are the most primitive meteorites. However, further research is needed to establish the exact relationship. A recently conducted study reveals that Ryugu and CI chondrites share the same zinc and copper isotopic composition, suggesting a common genetic heritage between them. Additionally, the study suggests that Ryugu-like material might have contributed to Earth's budgets of certain elements.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Chadlin M. Ostrander, Sune G. Nielsen, Hayley J. Gadol, Luciana Villarroel, Scott D. Wankel, Tristan J. Horner, Jerzy Blusztajn, Colleen M. Hansel
Summary: Thallium (Tl) isotopes serve as a valuable tool for studying the history of molecular oxygen in seawater. Understanding the modern Tl isotope cycle is crucial for its application, especially in anoxic environments. This study found significant variability in Tl isotopes in short timeframes and observed the association of Tl with sulfide and other metals. The sediment data revealed limited isotopic variability, indicating the ability of sediments to capture the Tl isotope composition of contemporary waters.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Maxwell M. Thiemens, Robina Shaheen, Carina T. Gerritzen, Ildiko Gyollai, Kenneth Chong, Friedrich Popp, Christian Koeberl, Mark H. Thiemens, Frederic Moynier
Summary: The Snowball Earth events, which occurred during the late Neoproterozoic's Cryogenian period, involved complete or near-complete glaciation of Earth's surface. Isotopic systems such as Delta O-17 and barium isotopes have been used to reconstruct the paleoenvironment of these events. This study reports a multi-isotopic C, O, and Zn data set for carbonate deposits in northern Namibia after the Marinoan glaciation, revealing significant Zn isotopic variations. These variations suggest potential sources of Zn and provide insights into the conditions during carbonate formation.
MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. E. Newcombe, S. G. Nielsen, L. D. Peterson, J. Wang, C. M. O'D Alexander, A. R. Sarafian, K. Shimizu, L. R. Nittler, A. J. Irving
Summary: The timing and types of delivery of volatiles to the terrestrial planets are still debated. This study shows that achondrite meteorites have extremely low water contents, suggesting that differentiated planetesimals degassed efficiently before or during melting. Therefore, substantial amounts of water could only be delivered to Earth through unmelted material.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Biji Luo, Zaicong Wang, Jiale Song, Yuqi Qian, Qi He, Yiheng Li, James W. Head, Frederic Moynier, Long Xiao, Harry Becker, Bixuan Huang, Bing Ruan, Yangxuan Hu, Fabing Pan, Chang Xu, Wenlong Liu, Keqing Zong, Jiawei Zhao, Wen Zhang, Zhaochu Hu, Zhenbing She, Xiang Wu, Hongfei Zhang
Summary: The lunar basalt samples returned by the Chang'e-5 mission originated from an olivine-bearing pyroxenite mantle source. Through high-degree fractional crystallization, these magmas accumulated and evolved at the top of the lithospheric mantle before rapidly erupting onto the surface.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ganglan Zhang, Yongsheng Liu, Rong Xu, Frederic Moynier, Yangtao Zhu, Huange Ren, Xin Jiang, Ming Li
Summary: Recycling of upper crustal sediments through slab subduction contributes to lithospheric refertilization and heterogeneity. However, the nature of recycled upper crustal components is unclear and direct evidence for sediment melt activity in the lithosphere is lacking. This study uses geochemical analyses to examine the relationship between clinopyroxenites and a glassy xenolith from the North China Craton, providing direct evidence for the activity of sediment melt with upper continental crust components in the lithosphere.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Toshiyuki Fujii, Chizu Kato, Naoya Wada, Akihiro Uehara, Paolo Sossi, Frederic Moynier
Summary: The application of stable isotopes of vanadium (V) to trace geological and biological processes is a growing field. Vanadium can exist in different forms and can be used to trace its exchange between phases. Theoretical calculations and laboratory experiments were conducted to understand the isotope fractionation of vanadium in organic and aqueous phases. The results showed that the theoretical calculations matched well with the experimental data, providing a basis for interpreting natural variations of vanadium isotopes.
ACS EARTH AND SPACE CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Siqi Li, Oliver Friedrich, Sune G. Nielsen, Fei Wu, Jeremy D. Owens
Summary: Oceanic Anoxic Event-2 (OAE-2, -94 Ma ago) was a period of significant perturbation to the carbon and nutrient cycles. Localities experienced heterogeneous redox fluctuations, with some showing persistent anoxic-to-euxinic conditions and others showing short-term hypoxic-to-anoxic oscillations. This study used vanadium isotopes to track these redox fluctuations and identified occasional weak oxygenation under generally anoxic conditions.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Rachel F. Phillips, Yi Wang, Frieder Klein, Gabriela Farfan, Chadlin M. Ostrander, Hayley Gadol, Colleen M. Hansel, Sune G. Nielsen, Dominik Weiss
Summary: Thallium (Tl) isotopes are used to reconstruct changes in global ocean oxygenation by tracking changes in past sedimentary manganese (Mn) oxide burial. Both triclinic birnessite and todorokite exhibit weak Tl sorption with minimal isotopic fractionation. Tl sorption onto Mn oxides and associated isotopic fractionation is strongly controlled by mineralogy.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Deze Liu, Frederic Moynier, Paolo A. Sossi, Raphael Pik, Saemundur Ari Halldorsson, Edward Inglis, James M. D. Day, Julien Siebert
Summary: Indium (In) behaves as a moderately volatile metal during nebular and planetary processes and its volatility depends on oxygen fugacity. Accurately determining the isotopic composition of In in silicate Earth is challenging due to its low abundance in rocks and significant isobaric interferences. This study presents a purification procedure for In and reports the first dataset of its isotopic compositions in terrestrial igneous rocks, showing no significant variation between different types of basalts. The average δ115In of 0.35‰ (2SD) in basalts represents the best estimate of the In isotopic composition of the mantle and the bulk silicate Earth.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
