Technician Support: Stanford/USGS Ion Microprobe Facility

Stanford University, Stanford CA

Investigators

Abstract

EAR-0446541 Chamberlain Stanford and the U.S. Geological Survey jointly operate an ion microprobe laboratory located at Stanford University. This facility serves as a key component of the earth science community efforts in geochronology because of its unique ability to determine radiometric ages at a high spatial resolution. Conventional U-Th-Pb and U-Th geochronology of zircon, monazite and sphene have been core research activities in the laboratory. We will continue to try to meet the growing demand for ion probe geochronology from our colleagues at Stanford, USGS and in the external research community. To meet user demand within our department and from visiting NSF-funded users, we will use the funds from this NSF grant to fund three years of 50% salary support for a Ph.D. level research scientist. The School of Earth Sciences and Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences have agreed to cost share this proposal (50%) to provide a competitive salary for a qualified technical person. This proposal represents Phase I of the technical support position at Stanford.