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Project
Geochemical investigations of environmental perturbations during the Devonian–Carboniferous extinction (FWOKN324)
Osmium (Os) is a trace metal in marine sediments, where its isotopic composition can vary depending on changes to the relative influx of the element to the global ocean from mid-ocean ridge
volcanism, continental erosion, and extraterrestrial material. Thus, studying the Os-isotope composition of such sediments can provide important insights into times of major volcanic activity, climate-driven changes in continental weathering rates, and large meteorite impacts in the
geological past. The Analytical, Environmental, and Geochemistry Research (AMGC) group at the VUB is currently operating an Os-isotope laboratory. This research proposal would seek to enhance the lab set up at the VUB through the purchase of a new oven to digest samples, as well as new preparatory equipment such as digestion beakers, in order to increase the efficiency and versatility
of the labwork. Furthermore, this grant includes fieldwork and analytical costs to study North American sedimentary records of a mass extinction event in the geological past. This extinction has been linked to the rapid expansion and retreat of ice sheets 360 million years ago, caused by climatic variations which in turn led to a number of severe environmental perturbations such as widespread
oxygen-depletion in the world's oceans, and an enhanced hydrological cycle. Thus, it represents an intriguing case study that shares a number of characteristics with anthropogenic climate change.
volcanism, continental erosion, and extraterrestrial material. Thus, studying the Os-isotope composition of such sediments can provide important insights into times of major volcanic activity, climate-driven changes in continental weathering rates, and large meteorite impacts in the
geological past. The Analytical, Environmental, and Geochemistry Research (AMGC) group at the VUB is currently operating an Os-isotope laboratory. This research proposal would seek to enhance the lab set up at the VUB through the purchase of a new oven to digest samples, as well as new preparatory equipment such as digestion beakers, in order to increase the efficiency and versatility
of the labwork. Furthermore, this grant includes fieldwork and analytical costs to study North American sedimentary records of a mass extinction event in the geological past. This extinction has been linked to the rapid expansion and retreat of ice sheets 360 million years ago, caused by climatic variations which in turn led to a number of severe environmental perturbations such as widespread
oxygen-depletion in the world's oceans, and an enhanced hydrological cycle. Thus, it represents an intriguing case study that shares a number of characteristics with anthropogenic climate change.
Date:1 Jan 2020 → 31 Dec 2020
Keywords:Geochemical investigattions
Disciplines:Biogeochemical cycli