My research project, FINSTRONG, develops new in situ rubidium-strontium (Rb-Sr) geochronological methods based on the radioactive decay of Rb-87 to Sr-87.
Using the state-of-the-art mass spectrometry infrastructure at the Geological Survey of Finland, I aim to establish a robust analytical approach for determining the ages of minerals commonly targeted for Rb-Sr dating, such as micas and feldspars. The project will also explore the potential of extending Rb-Sr geochronology to minerals that have not previously been used for this purpose.
Rb-Sr geochronology is valuable for dating metamorphic and metasomatic processes, which are commonly associated with ore formation. In situ analysis enables age determination at the scale of individual mineral domains within a single grain. This capability provides unique insights into complex geological histories, including polymetamorphic terranes such as the Precambrian bedrock of Finland.
