Presenter(s):
Noah McLean, University of Kansas
James Bowring, College of Charleston
Scott Burdick, Wayne State University

Primary Convener:
Scott Burdick, Wayne State University

The relative abundance of isotopes – elements with similar chemical properties but different masses – provides critical clues for understanding the history, structure, and evolution of the Earth. Precise measurements of isotope ratios can be made with mass spectrometers (MS). Measurements made with two types, the thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS) and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICPMS), underpin the study of geochronology and radiogenic isotopic systems. New MS technology, like linear ion counters, high-resistance amplifiers, and large-capacity vacuum pumping systems have dramatically improved the precision of isotopic analyses and opened them to new isotope systems. Improved statistical data reduction and visualization are key in translating these hardware improvements to improved scientific interpretation of isotopic data. In this workshop, we aim to transmit state-of-the-art knowledge on methods and software used to process raw mass spectrometer data. 

We propose a half-day workshop on the application of modern statistical techniques to improve isotope geochemistry. We focus on using the Tripoli software package for MS data reduction. Tripoli, imports raw MS data to facilitate the visualization of temporal trends and scatter during measurement, statistically rigorous filtering of data, and the calculation of statistical parameters.

We provide hands-on instruction for downloading, installing, and applying the package to example and user-supplied datasets. Students and postdoctoral researchers are especially encouraged to participate in the workshop, as well as lab managers and early career scientists. Limited funding is available to defray the cost of participation.