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Radiogenic Isotope Laboratory - Denver

Radioactive Isotopes: Sm-Nd System

Samarium and Neodymium are rare elements that are widely distributed in common minerals and rocks, but usually have low concentrations. The Sm-Nd system is capable of being used both for geochronology and as a tracer of geologic processes.

Geochronology

Examples of Applications:

• determine emplacement ages of igneous rocks of all compositions
• dating of diagenesis of shales

Nd, Sm -isotope tracers

Examples of Applications:

• eolian studies - origin of windblown dust, aerosol particles
• petrogenetic studies of igneous rocks
• delineation and origin of tectonostratigraphic terranes
• sources of metals in ore deposits
• provenance of sediments
• forensic analysis, e.g. blood chemistry, etc.
sequence boundaries and subaerial exposures in ancient soils oceanographic circulation

Information About:

U-Th-Pb

Rb-Sr

More About the Radiogenic Isotope Laboratory

Radiogenic Isotope Laboratory Introduction

Radiogenic Isotopes

Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry

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U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://gec.cr.usgs.gov/info/isotope_geochron_lab/isotopessmnd.html
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Page Last Modified: Thu 15-Apr-2010 13:50:01 MDT