Radiogenic and stable isotopes

Isotope methods play an indispensable role in many geological studies. The focus of radiogenic isotope research at GTK is to unravel the complex crustal history in Finland and Fennoscandian Shield. The focus of stable isotope research is in hydrogeology. Since the laboratory is unique in Finland and has been operational since 1964, extensive co-operation with both GTK research projects and other institutions has become the main strategy.

The methods in radiogenic isotope research at GTK are U-Pb (on zircon, titanite, monazite, baddeleyite, etc.), Sm-Nd (whole rock, pyroxene, plagioclase, garnet etc.), Rb-Sr and Pb-Pb. Initially the laboratory operated on self-built mass-spectrometers, and since 1990 has a VG Sector 54 instrument for thermal ionization work. The analyses for isotopic composition of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen are carried out on a Finnigan MAT 251 instrument. The laboratory currently employs a staff of four scientists and five technicians, and is also frequented by guest workers.Consequently the final product of the research often is joint publications on a variety of geological items (see FINGEO).

Published radiometric ages for rocks from the Finnish bedrock can be seen here by putting a check in the radiometric age checkbox. Click on the plus symbol next to this checkbox to get the symbol key for this data layer. A description of the radiometric age database and a list of relevant references is provided here.

More information:
Hannu Huhma, tel. +358 29 503 2311 and +358 40 700 3796, e-mail: hannu.huhmagtk.fi
Nina Hendriksson, tel. +358 29 503 2305 and +358 40 840 0480, e-mail: nina.hendrikssongtk.fi

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