In-situ Rb-Sr geochronology

F. Scott Anderson, Keith Nowicki, Tom Whitaker

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper reports on the first rubidium-strontium (Rb-Sr) radiometric dates using a Laser Desorption Resonance Ionization Mass Spectrometry (LDRIMS) instrument capable of being miniaturized for flight to another planet. The LDRIMS instrument produces dates in under 24 hours, requires minimal sample preparation, and avoids the interference and mass resolution issues associated with other geochronology measurements. We have begun testing the bench-top prototype on the Boulder Creek Granite (BCG), from Colorado, comprised primarily of a gneissic quartz monzonite and granodiorite; whole rock Rb-Sr TIMS measurements result in dates of 1700±40 Ma [1]. Data reduction of the LDRIMS Rb-Sr measurements on calibrated repeat runs result in a date for the BCG of 1.727±0.087 Ga (n=288, MSWD=1). Most geochronology applications are willing to accept an MSWD up to ∼2.7; at MSWD=2, the precision improves to ±0.062 Ga. This technology is moving from lab prototype to field deployable instrument, and provides an opportunity to directly address the science goals of Mars Sample Return (MSR) within the bounds posed by current scientific, fiscal, and political pressures on the Mars program. Additionally, LDRIMS could potentially be flown to the Moon under the Discovery or New Frontiers program. We posit that in-situ geochronology missions to Mars to triage and validate samples for Mars Sample Return (MSR) are technically feasible in the 2018-2022 time frame.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2013 IEEE Aerospace Conference, AERO 2013
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event2013 IEEE Aerospace Conference, AERO 2013 - Big Sky, MT, United States
Duration: Mar 2 2013Mar 9 2013

Publication series

NameIEEE Aerospace Conference Proceedings
ISSN (Print)1095-323X

Conference

Conference2013 IEEE Aerospace Conference, AERO 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBig Sky, MT
Period3/2/133/9/13

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science

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