New high-precision measurements of the isotopic composition of atmospheric argon

Mark, D.F. , Stuart, F.M. and de Podesta, M. (2011) New high-precision measurements of the isotopic composition of atmospheric argon. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 75(23), pp. 7494-7501. (doi: 10.1016/j.gca.2011.09.042)

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Abstract

Earth’s atmosphere is used as a standard reference gas for mass spectrometric determinations of argon (Ar) isotopes used principally in geochronology. There are three published independent determinations of the Ar isotope composition of modern atmosphere that differ subtly. We have made newhigh-precisionmeasurements of Ar isotope ratios of five different sources of air using a high-sensitivity multi-collector noble gas mass spectrometer in order to distinguish between them. The isotope ratios, corrected only for backgrounds, reside on a inverse square-root mass law fractionation line that passes through the air value proposed by Lee et al. [Lee J. Y., Marti K., Severinghaus J. P., Kawamura K., Yoo H. S., Lee J. B. and Kim J. S. (2006) A redetermination of the isotopic abundances of atmospheric Ar. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta70, 4507–4512]. They are distinct from both the other proposed compositions and provide the first independent confirmation of the atmospheric Ar isotope composition. We suggest that the revised values should now be in routine employment.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mark, Professor Darren and Stuart, Professor Fin
Authors: Mark, D.F., Stuart, F.M., and de Podesta, M.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
Journal Name:Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
ISSN:0016-7037
Published Online:02 October 2011

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