This three-year, four-hundred twelve thousand nine hundred forty-three dollar Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) will support collaborative research to experimentally simulate zircon recrystallization processes in aqueous solutions. Vanderbilt University will conduct innovative isotope tracer experiments on zircon-fluid mixtures at high pressures and temperatures, characterizing materials using microanalysis techniques. Researchers aim to test hypotheses about how small and large zircon grains, metamict zircon, and reaction rims influence recrystallization rates and isotopic exchange. Results of this work strengthening understanding of mechanisms governing zircon stability over geologic timescales could aid in interpreting radiometric age data and evaluating zircon's feasibility for storing toxic waste. The award also includes workforce training in experimental and analytical techniques for participants with diverse scientific experience.
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