Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation's Division of Ocean Sciences awarded $536,839 to South Dakota School of Mines & Technology on March 15, 2026, under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) to conduct a global-scale investigation of carbon concentration and variability in Earth's mantle. The project, which runs through February 28, 2029, will analyze melt inclusions from spreading ridge lavas collected in Iceland and at seafloor locations to determine the nature and origin of carbon heterogeneity in the convecting mantle and how crustal magmatic processes affect primary mantle carbon signals. The research employs advanced analytical techniques including multicollector secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) for simultaneous δ¹³C and CO₂ measurements, along with supporting analyses using electron microprobe, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and SIMS to measure major, trace, and volatile elements in melt samples.

The project deliverables include fundamental scientific research findings that will constrain mantle carbon cycling and refine models of volatile transfer from the mantle to the oceans and atmosphere, along with educational and community engagement outputs. Research opportunities and training will be provided to graduate and undergraduate students, building analytical capacity at U.S. institutions. Additionally, the investigators will develop two new museum exhibits for public outreach, advancing the project's broader impacts in workforce development and science communication aligned with the Geosciences program's mission to expand fundamental knowledge of Earth's integrated systems.