One of the great things about geology is how it incorporates observations from the huge to the tiny. We can think on the scale of whole earth (or even bigger), continents, regions, outcrops, rocks, crystals or atoms, and everything in between. If you are in the latter groups, you are probably following closely the amazing developments in microanalysis that seem to happen every year, allowing us to image smaller and smaller things with better resolution, detection limits and flexibility than ever before. And even better, these tiny scale observations can help to understand processes on the huge scale.
So, if you are interested in the micro and nano scale, here is a perfect session for you. Convened by Renelle Dubosq (Ottawa), Tyler Blum (Wisconsin-Madison) and Sandra Piazolo (Leeds), GMPV 1.3 is titled: Advances in microanalysis: Insights into nanoscale trace element heterogeneities.
The convenors say:
Recent developments in micro- to nano-scale analytical techniques have enabled unique observations of physical and chemical complexities in geological materials. The interaction of trace components with crystal defects can control the distribution/ redistribution of elements, as well as provide a record of meso- to tectonic-scale processes that govern Earth systems. This session focuses on the integration and development of structural and chemical analytical techniques for investigations of nano- to atomic-scale structural and geochemical processes. Studies involving transmission electron microscopy, high resolution electron backscatter diffraction, electron channeling contrast imaging, transmission Kikuchi diffraction, laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and atom probe tomography are particularly welcomed. We encourage contributions with new insights on trace element heterogeneities, their presence/absence, detection, origin, and preservation, as well as the broader implications (and applications) in understanding geochemistry, economic geology, geochronology, and structural geology.
So, if you think smaller is better, submit your abstract here!
