Lehigh University Stable Isotope Laboratory

Stable Isotope Chemistry Laboratory
Lehigh University, EES Department
Summer 2001 Edition

Facilities

The Stable Isotope Chemistry Laboratory at Lehigh University is equipped with a Finnigan MAT 252 isotope ratio mass spectrometer fitted with a dual-inlet bellows inlet system and two automated microvolumes for analysis of small gas aliquots. A multiport inlet manifold allows automated analysis of up to 12 samples. The MAT 252 is fitted with 9 fixed collectors and is capable of analyzing hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur isotopes.

The lab houses extraction systems for the preparation of gases from a wide variety of geological, biological, and environmental materials. Hydrogen is prepared from mineral and water samples by reduction over zinc metal. Carbon and oxygen in carbonates are run as CO₂ evolved by dissolution in 100% phosphoric acid. Carbon (as CO₂) and nitrogen (as N₂) are extracted from minerals and organic matter by combustion with Cu-CuO reagent in evacuated quartz tubes. An on-line extraction system for analysis of small quantities of nitrogen in silicate minerals and fluid inclusions is also available. A laser fluorination system for oxygen isotope analysis of silicates is capable of producing high-precision O-isotope data for extremely small samples (using O₂as the working gas).

Some Current Projects

· Mobility and storage of volatiles in subduction-zone forearc regions - the metamorphic record (O, H, C, S, and N isotope study of devolatilization in convergent margins; case studies in the Franciscan Complex, California and in the French/Italian Alps). Contact Gray Bebout (geb0@lehigh.edu).

Read some recent abstracts

Sadofsky and Bebout, 1998 GSA
Bebout and Caldeira, 1998 AGU
Sadofsky and Bebout, 1998 AGU
Bebout, 1996 GSA

O-isotope composition of Accretionary complex veins

Enjoy the view from Anthony Peak in the California Coast Ranges

· Construction and testing of an infrared laser-based silicate fluorination extraction line. Contact Gray Bebout (geb0@lehigh.edu) or Bruce Idleman (bdi2@lehigh.edu).

· Development of techniques for the extraction of N from silicate minerals and fluid inclusions for isotopic analysis. Contact Gray Bebout (geb0@lehigh.edu).

Thermal release of N from micas

· Applications of N isotopes to the study of high-T fluid-rock interactions (case studies in Southern Vermont, English Lake District, California, Western Maine, Southern France, and Belgium). Contact Gray Bebout (geb0@lehigh.edu).

View a thin section from Townshend Dam, Vermont

Data from Townshend Dam

· Experimental determination of N-isotope fluid-mica fractionation factors (collaborative with James Brenan, University of Toronto; contact Gray Bebout; geb0@lehigh.edu).

· Isotopic characterization of Late Cretaceous to Eocene regional crustal fluid flow in the Northern Rockies (Idaho-Montana). Contact Gray Bebout (geb0@lehigh.edu) or Dave Anastasio (dja2@lehigh.edu).

Read a recent abstract

· Evaluation of the nature and sources of B-isotope fractionation in high-T fluid-rock settings (collaborative with Eizo Nakamura and T. Nakano, Institute for Study of Earth's Interior, Misasa, Japan; contact Gray Bebout, geb0@lehigh.edu).

Read a recent abstract

Boron isotope data from the Catalina Schist

· Shorebased participation in Ocean Drilling Program Leg 185 (Izu-Mariana Margin), examining C-N cycling in subducting sediments and altered oceanic crust. Contact Gray Bebout (geb0@lehigh.edu).

Contract Work

We welcome collaborative research initiatives and contract work from outside users in academia and industry. Contact us directly for specific information about our services and pricing.