Abstract
An analytical protocol for high-precision, in situ microscale isotopic investigations is presented here, which combines the use of a high-performing mechanical microsampling device and high-precision TIMS measurements on micro-Sr samples, allowing for excellent results both in accuracy and precision. The present paper is a detailed methodological description of the whole analytical procedure from sampling to elemental purification and Sr-isotope measurements. The method offers the potential to attain isotope data at the microscale on a wide range of solid materials with the use of minimally invasive sampling. In addition, we present three significant case studies for geological and life sciences, as examples of the various applications of microscale 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios, concerning (i) the pre-eruptive mechanisms triggering recent eruptions at Nisyros volcano (Greece), (ii) the dynamics involved with the initial magma ascent during Eyjafjallajökull volcano's (Iceland) 2010 eruption, which are usually related to the precursory signals of the eruption, and (iii) the environmental context of a MIS 3 cave bear, Ursus spelaeus. The studied cases show the robustness of the methods, which can be also be applied in other areas, such as cultural heritage, archaeology, petrology, and forensic sciences.
Highlights
In situ radiogenic isotope determinations with microscale resolution, especially of Sr, can represent a powerful tool in different fields of geological and life sciences
We present three significant case studies for geological and life sciences, as examples of the various applications of microscale 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios, concerning (i) the pre-eruptive mechanisms triggering recent eruptions at Nisyros volcano (Greece), (ii) the dynamics involved with the initial magma ascent during Eyjafjallajokull volcano’s (Iceland) 2010 eruption, which are usually related to the precursory signals of the eruption, and (iii) the environmental context of a MIS 3 cave bear, Ursus spelaeus. e studied cases show the robustness of the methods, which can be be applied in other areas, such as cultural heritage, archaeology, petrology, and forensic sciences
External reproducibility obtained with LA-MC-ICPMS on material with high Sr contents and low Rb/Sr is comparable or slightly worse than that attained with our method; yet, small but significant differences in accuracy have been reported [53]
Summary
In situ radiogenic isotope determinations with microscale resolution, especially of Sr, can represent a powerful tool in different fields of geological and life sciences. This technique is nowadays one of the most important methods for the investigation and interpretation of magmatic processes, as well as of environmentally-induced responses of terrestrial mammals; it has the potential to greatly enhance our understanding of volcanic systems and the related magma genesis and evolution, and of the physiological mechanisms behind specific organic adaptations. Variation of Sr-isotope composition from core to rim within the same crystal can shed light on the complex pre-eruptive history of active volcanoes. erefore, combining micro-(smallscale) isotope data with textural and petrographic data provides significant information on crystals residence time, magma production rates, and recharge dynamics (e.g., [5,6,7,8, 16,17,18]).
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