Mineralogical Society of America - Fluid inclusions.
Research within my group is focused on studies of large scale fluid flow in the Earth''s crust and the genesis of hydrothermal ore deposits. We apply a range of techniques for tracing fluid flow pathways and determining mechanisms of rock alteration and metal transport and deposition in such systems, including fluid inclusion microanalysis and transition metal isotope studies.
Fluid Inclusions are microscopic pockets of gas or liquids trapped within minerals. The contents of these pockets may contain information on the original physical and chemical conditions in which the source rock formed. This information can be useful for many applications including mineralogical surveys and petroleum exploration.
The main analytical method is microthermometry that is based on the temperatures at which phase changes occur within fluid inclusions. Fluid inclusion analyses are commonly applied in the study and exploration of ore deposits; in geothermal researches; in oil exploration; in metamorphic, magmatic and sedimentary petrology; in research on the relationships between fluid circulation and tectonic.
This Special Issue of Minerals wants to celebrate the diversity of study applications and methodologies that exist today amongst the fluid inclusion research community. Therefore, it has wide ranging theme that solicits submissions that reflect innovations in both fluid inclusion analytical techniques and applications, in tandem, with case histories focused on geofluid systems in sedimentary.
Fluid Inclusion Analysis. Our laboratory facilities include instruments for: Petrography of fluid inclusions: Microscopes and cameras for observations in visible, ultraviolet and near-infrared light; Scanning electron microscope (SEM) with cathodoluminescence and variable-pressure SE-detectors; Spindle stages for 3D viewing of samples immersed in matching-index oil; Identification of fluids.
Fluid Inclusion Stratigraphy (FIS) is a patented technique involving the rapid and complete analysis of trapped organic and inorganic volatiles in fluid inclusions from cuttings, core, or outcrop samples using quadrupole mass analyzers attached to an automated high-vacuum sample introduction system.
Although mineral exploration geologists are remiss in failing to use fluid inclusion information in their work when it is appropriate, a large part of the blame for this is due to a failure to point out concise diagnostic criteria and appropriately simple measurement methods in research papers and in course work. Few industry geologists understand the relevance of the abundant FI results in.