Project Grant 2214700

This $809,775 National Science Foundation project grant will fund the acquisition of a next-generation multicollector-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer for the University of Arizona. The instrument will be housed at the university's Arizona LaserChron Center, a National Science Foundation-supported facility that supports earth sciences research. It will enable improved accuracy and precision for existing analytical methods, development of new techniques only possible with the proposed instrumentation, and increased analytical capacity to support approximately 350 faculty members, professional geologists and students annually. Specific aims include developing new laser-based mass spectrometry geochronology techniques leveraging the instrument's collision/reaction cell and MS/MS capabilities, and providing greater capacity for U-Th/Pb geochronology and complementary Lu-Hf isotope analysis to advance understanding of earth processes. Funded under the NSF's Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050), the award reflects the foundation's mission to strengthen geosciences through expanded fundamental knowledge and increased understanding of the integrated earth system via basic research support.