Stable metal isotope geochemistry

Stable metal isotope (Cr, Mo, Fe, W) geochemistry is continually being refined as a useful analytical strategy to study modern and ancient Earth processes. The BRG collaborates primarily with Ronny Schoenberg's isotope geochemistry research group (University of Tuebingen, Germany), but also with others (e.g., researchers at University of Bern), for such stable metal isotope studies. For example, the BRG has recently investigated stable Fe and Cr isotopes as a proxy to study redox and non-redox chemical weathering processes in the Archean and Paleoproterozoic, as well as aided with Mo isotope studies of modern fluvial systems and Neoproterozoic marine carbonate-shale sequences. These studies involve both field-based research and experimental laboratory research into stable isotopic fractionation mechanisms.