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Project Code [2016-RE-LS-1]
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Project title
Developing geochronology by LA-�?ICPMS imaging: applications of U-�?Pb calcite dating in raw materials research
Primary Funding Agency
Science Foundation Ireland
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
Environmental Protection Agency
Lead Organisation
University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)
Lead Applicant
David Chew
Project Abstract
This proposal aims to develop a rapid and reliable method for U-Pb dating of the mineral calcite. Calcite is a common mineral in both ore systems (in carbonate veins or cements) and in petroleum systems (as a diagenetic phase destroying porosity in hydrocarbon reservoirs). The world class Irish Zn-Pb mineral province is an analogue for similar deposit types around the world, but many unresolved issues still exist, including the timing of mineralization. Clarifying the timing of ore mineralization in the Irish Zn-Pb deposits will develop improved models for their origin and will form an important predictive tool for the discovery of new deposits in Ireland and abroad. This proposal is supported by Boliden Tara Mines and Teck Resources. In petroleum systems, diagenesisstrongly influences the porosity/permeability of hydrocarbon reservoirs/aquifers. Knowledge of the timing of the growth of diagenetic phases (e.g. calcite) relative to the timing of hydrocarbon migration is therefore key for petroleum companies (proposal is supported by Tullow Oil). This proposal also facilitates direct dating of carbonates in the geological record for key intervals in Earth history, particularly those associated with ancient climatic changes that are presently poorly constrained but are highly topical in the scientific literature. The generation of U/Pb image maps facilitates identification of high and low U/Pb portions of the rastered area, which can be sub-sampled to yield a sufficient spread on isochrons to yield U-Pb calcite age uncertainties as low as �1%. These U/Pb image maps can be precisely overlain over other images (other LA-ICPMS elemental maps, photomicrographs or SEM-CL images) to spatially link age information to calcite paragenesis.This proposal will aid SFI�s Agenda 2020 strategy (KPI concerning international bibliometric rankings) by resulting in several high profile publications in the leading interdisciplinary scientific journals.
Grant Approved
�215,794.00
Research Hub
Green and Circular Economy
Research Theme
Resource efficiency
Initial Projected Completion Date
30/11/2021