Project description
Probing sulfur isotope variability in organic sedimentary rocks
The delta 34 S (δ34S) value is a standardised method for reporting measurements of the ratio of two stable isotopes of sulfur, 34S:32S, in a sample against the equivalent ratio in a known reference standard. The method has been widely used to reconstruct the paleo-redox conditions of early Earth environments. Existing δ34S compilations of sulfur isotopes on pyrite rocks possibly do not reflect the accurate isotope composition deposited on the rock. The EU-funded MicroS project will use high-resolution in situ analytical methods – secondary-ion mass spectrometry and X-ray spectroscopy – to investigate micro-scale δ34S variability in organic-rich sedimentary rocks. The project's work will help increase our understanding of the processes that govern sulfur isotope fractionations, δ34S transfer to the rock record and its preservation over the geologic time scale.
Objective
Sedimentary sulfur (S) isotope systematics (δ34S) has been widely used in paleoredox reconstruction of early Earth’s environments. Large-scale variations in the δ34S record are typically interpreted to reflect fluctuations in the global S cycle. However, the expression of S isotope fractionation is sensitive to open- vs. closed-system conditions and heterogeneous micro-scale δ34S patterns can form in S-bearing phases that precipitate over time in evolving pore-water conditions. Such intra-sample δ34S variability is undetectable in traditional bulk analyses, which has been the conventional approach in time-series δ34S compilations. Moreover, early- and late-stage interactions between organic matter and inorganic sulfide (thermochemical sulfate reduction) can impact δ34S signatures at different stages of sulfide formation leading to sulfide species with distinct δ34S compositions. Therefore, the existing stratigraphic bulk-rock pyrite δ34S compilations possibly integrate a whole spectrum of δ34S variability that may not reflect the depositional isotope composition. MicroS project will take advantage of high-resolution in situ analytical methods (SIMS, synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopy) to investigate the micro-scale variability in organic-rich sedimentary rocks and its applicability to key intervals of Earth’s history. The project focuses on three organic-rich sedimentary basins: ~2.0 Ga Onega, ~2.1 Ga Francevillian and the modern Guaymas Basins, that share several characteristics, such as a semi-restricted rift environment, syndepositional magmatism and hydrocarbon seepage. By examining the δ34S composition of the co-existing sulfide species (e.g. pyrite, pyrrhotite, organic sulfur) and placing them into the geologic context of the individual basins, the project aims to decipher the current gap in understanding processes that govern S isotope fractionations, the transfer of δ34S to the rock record and its preservation over geologic time.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- humanities history and archaeology history
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry hydrocarbons
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences geology petrology sedimentary petrology
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
51005 TARTU
Estonia
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.