Tracer applications of noble gas radionuclides in the geosciences.

Lu, Z.-T., Schlosser, P., Smethie, W.M., Sturchio, N.C., Fischer, T.P., Kennedy, B.M., Purtschert, R., Severinghaus, J.P., Solomon, D.K., Tanhua, Toste and Yokochi, R. (2014) Tracer applications of noble gas radionuclides in the geosciences. Earth-Science Reviews, 138 . pp. 196-214. DOI 10.1016/j.earscirev.2013.09.002.

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Abstract

Noble gas radionuclides, including 81Kr (t1/2 = 229,000 years), 85Kr (t1/2 = 10.8 years), and 39Ar (t1/2 = 269 years), possess nearly ideal chemical and physical properties for studies of earth and environmental processes. Recent advances in Atom Trap Trace Analysis (ATTA), a laser-based atom counting method, have enabled routine measurements of the radiokrypton isotopes, as well as the demonstration of the ability to measure 39Ar in environmental samples. Here we provide an overview of the ATTA technique, and a survey of recent progress made in several laboratories worldwide. We review the application of noble gas radionuclides in the geosciences and discuss how ATTA can help advance these fields, specifically: determination of groundwater residence times using 81Kr, 85Kr, and 39Ar; dating old glacial ice using 81Kr; and an 39Ar survey of the main water masses of the oceans, to study circulation pathways and estimate mean residence times. Other scientific questions involving a deeper circulation of fluids in the Earth's crust and mantle are also within the scope of future applications. We conclude that the geoscience community would greatly benefit from an ATTA facility dedicated to this field, with instrumentation for routine measurements, as well as for research on further development of ATTA methods.

Document Type: Article
Additional Information: WOS:000345058600010
Keywords: Isotope analysis, Cosmogenic isotope, Noble gas, isotope, Groundwater residence time, Ocean ventillation, Old glacial ice
Research affiliation: OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB2 Marine Biogeochemistry > FB2-CH Chemical Oceanography
OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB2 Marine Biogeochemistry > FB2-CH Chemical Oceanography > Water column biogeochemistry
Refereed: Yes
Open Access Journal?: No
Publisher: Elsevier
Projects: Future Ocean
Date Deposited: 18 Dec 2014 13:02
Last Modified: 21 Apr 2021 12:15
URI: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/26579

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