USGS Home
Contact USGS
Search USGS

Radiogenic and Stable Isotope Methods

USGS mass spectrometer

Project overview

Work is focused on developing radiogenic and stable isotope analytical techniques to support mineral- and environmentally-related geologic investigations.

• Radiogenic isotope techniques are used for analysis of materials, fluids, and fluid and solid inclusions from ancient and modern environments. New analytical procedures are being developed for studies directed at: regional and site-specific metal mobilization, metal transport, redistribution processes, and sources of fluids for regional geologic, ore genesis, life-cycles, and environmental applications.
• Stable isotope work includes developing new and refining existing analytical techniques for the following applications: (1) oxygen isotope analysis of dissolved sulfate for studies of mine drainage, acid deposition and ecosystems; (2) hydrogen isotope analysis of silicate and other hydrated minerals for studies of ore genesis; and (3) sulfur isotope analysis of submilligram samples of sulfide and sulfate minerals using continuous-flow technology for environmental, ore genesis and ecosystem studies.