Research (Crustal Re-Os Geochronology)

Development of Re-Os geochronology for crustal matrices has been ongoing since 1998 in the laboratory. This work has resulted in major advancements in the direct isotopic dating of crustal sulfide minerals, petroleum source-rocks, and natural hydrocarbons, using Re-Os isotopes. A full publication list for Re-Os is available here.

For sulfide minerals, Re-Os geochronology has direct application to the timing and duration of hydrothermal ore deposit formation. Ore minerals investigated in detail include molybdenite, pyrite and arsenopyrite which have been applied to understand the origin of porphyry, SedEx, VMS, IOCG and Orogenic Au deposits globally. Some key papers include:

Systematic work, aimed at further evaluating the utility, robustness and cross-calibration of the Re-Os geochronometer to other dating methods, has also been a key research theme.

Using Re-Os isotopes to determine the deposition age of petroleum source-rock formation (organic-rich shales) is a major research theme, both in terms of technical development and application. This method has been applied to better understand the origins of global Oceanic Anoxic Events (OAEs), the timing of shale deposition and correlation in Precambrian sedimentary basins and this rise of oxygen on Earth.

Re-Os isotopes in natural hydrocarbons is the third major research theme of the laboratory, again approaching this new field from both a systematic evaluation and application perspective. Re-Os isotopes natural hydrocarbons are directly related to source-rock Re-Os isotope character and in some cases Re-Os geochronology of hydrocarbons is possible.