SERVICES & FACILITIES ANNUAL REPORT - FY April 2010 to March 2011
SERVICE: Open University
Uranium Series facility (OUUSF)
FUNDING
block
AGREEMENT
F14/G6/47
ESTABLISHED as S&F
1998
TERM
3 year
TYPE OF SERVICE PROVIDED:
The purpose of the Open University Uranium-Series Facility (OUUSF) is the application of U-series methodologies to
research in Earth and environmental sciences and science-based archaeology. Research projects are carried out, subject to
approval by the NERC Isotope Geosciences Steering Committee, NIGFSC, in collaboration with NERC stakeholders in
the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the Earth system.
U-series chronology is an essential component of many projects in Earth and environmental science, oceanography,
hydrology and science-based archaeology. Current OUUSF research includes projects on global climatic change through
dating of authigenic deposits, human (Neanderthal) evolution, mid-ocean ridge magma evolution and volcano
development, and abyssal sedimentation rates. Uranium-series determinations, e.g. 234U/238U, 230Th/232Th, 231Pa/235U
230
Th/234U ratios, and U, Th Pa and Ra concentrations by isotope dilution, are performed on a dedicated TIMS MAT262RPQ-II instrument or a Nu Instruments MC-ICPMS. Both mass spectrometers have a deceleration lens to achieve the
required abundance sensitivity, and have ion counting for superior detection statistics. Th isotope ratios in samples
containing less then 0.5 pg 230Th can be measured with a precision better than 1% (2m) and Ra abundances, as low as 4
fg, can be determined to 1% (2m). OUUSF uses Picotrace state-of-the-art ultra-clean chemical laboratories for sample
separation and purification. The low total procedure blanks and excellent instrument sensitivity are required to analyse
very low abundances in samples, such as Ra in mid-ocean ridge basalts and Th dissolved in ground-water.
OUUSF provides the equivalent of one user-year of training and analyses per annum, which represents 25% of the
Open University Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory, OUIGL, capacity and corresponds to circa 150 samples. PGRS and
PDRA teaching and training is the most important aspect of OUUSF activity and usually a PGRS or PDRA works under
close supervision in the laboratory for a number of short periods using Standard Operating Procedures and learn to work
with radioactive materials in low-blank chemistry and mass spectrometry laboratories and to carry out data reduction and
evaluation protocols.
Quality Assurance is maintained through the repeated analysis of Certified Reference Materials (e.g. Appendix 3.2),
Total Procedure Standards, Total Procedure Blanks, internal laboratory standards, reagents and calibrations performed by
staff and users and reviewed on a weekly basis. QA efforts are equivalent to >30 samples per year. OUUSF staff has some
capacity to perform analyses for collaborators.
Scientific results of collaborative research may be included in PhD thesis, published in peer-reviewed journals,
presented at international conferences, or disseminated in electronic media. Results of pilot projects may be essential for
NERC Research Grant proposals.
OUUSF has an extensive web-site URL: http://www2.open.ac.uk/ou-usf/
ANNUAL TARGETS AND PROGRESS TOWARDS THEM
The OUUSF Agreement provides for the equivalent of 150 analyses, equating to 25% of capacity and this has been
achieved. The analytical workload was significantly above average, partly because activity associated with
PGRS working in the lab and our usual turn-around times have not always been maintained. Issues were
discussed with stakeholders and the majority of data were submitted to PIs within the timeframe of the project.
SCORES AT LAST REVIEW (each out of 5)
Need
Uniqueness
CAPACITY of HOST ENTITY
FUNDED by S&F
25%
Quality of Service
Date of Last Review:
Quality of Science & Training
Staff & Status
Dr P van Calsteren, Senior Research Fellow: 48%
Dr L E Thomas, Project Officer: 100%
Ms A Kwateng, Grade 6 technician: 50%
FINANCIAL DETAILS: CURRENT FY
Total Resource
Unit Cost £k
Allocation
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
£k
157.94 TBC
1.053
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT (by year until end of current agreement) £k
2009-10 147.98
2010-11 163.25
2011-11 101.61
STEERING COMMITTEE
NIGFSC
Independent Members
7, (chair Prof J Andrews)
Meetings per annum
2
Average
4.0
Next
Review
(March)
2010
Capital
Expend £k
Income
£k
~£17K
none
Other S&F Overseen
NIGL, AIF, ICSF
Contract
Ends
(31 March)
2011
Full
Cash
Cost £k
163.25
APPLICATIONS: DISTRIBUTION OF GRADES (current FY — 2010/11)
R*/Pilot
Reject
5
4
3
2
1

NERC Grant projects*
2
1
Other academic
Students
Pilot
1
1
2
2
1
TOTAL
APPLICATIONS: DISTRIBUTION OF GRADES (per annum average previous 3 financial years — 2008/2009, 2009/2010 & 2010/2011)
R*/Pilot
Reject
5
4
3
2
1

NERC Grant projects*
Other Academic
Students
Pilot
TOTAL
1.
.67
.33
1
1
.67
.33
.67
2.33
.33
1
2.33
3
.33
4
3

R*/Pilot
PROJECTS COMPLETED (current FY – 2010/11)
5
NERC Grant projects*
Other Academic
Students
Pilot
2
1
5
1
1
USER PROFILE - funding type (current FY – 2010/11)
Infrastructure
Grand
Student
Total
Supplement to NERC Grant *
NERC Other
PAYG
Student
NERC Other
NERC
C/S
Other
2
2
USER PROFILE - funding type (per annum average previous 3 financial years - 2008/2009, 2009/2010 & 2010/2011)
Infrastructure
PAYG
Grand
Student
Student
NERC
NERC
Total
Supplement to NERC Grant *
Other
C/S
Grant* NERC Other
NERC Other
NERC
C/S
Other
1.33
7
.67
.33
NERC
C/S
Other
NERC
Grant*
4.67
USER PROFILE – user type (current FY – 2010/11)
Academic
Centre/Survey
NERC Fellows
PhD
4
0
USER PROFILE - user type (per annum average previous 3 financial years - 2008/2009, 2009/2010 & 2010/2011)
Academic
Centre/Survey
NERC Fellows
PhD
4
1
Commercial
Commercial
OUTPUT & PERFORMANCE MEASURES (current year)
Publications (by science area & type) (calendar year 2010)
SBA
ES
MS
AS
TFS
EO
Polar
Grand Total
Refereed
Non-Ref/ Conf Proc
7
9
7
2
Distribution of Projects (by science areas) (FY 2009/10)
SBA
ES
MS
AS
TFS
EO
.3
1.9
.8
.5
.5
OUTPUT & PERFORMANCE MEASURES (per annum average previous 3 years)
Publications (by science area & type) (Calendar years 2008, 2009 &2010)
SBA
ES
MS
AS
TFS
EO
Polar
Grand Total
Refereed
Non-Ref/ Conf Proc
3.67
3.67
1
6
Distribution of Projects (by science areas) (FY 2008/2009, 2009/2010 & 2010/2011)
SBA
ES
MS
AS
TFS
EO
.87
2.97
.60
.30
.60
PhD Theses
Polar
PhD Theses
1.33
Polar
Distribution of Projects by NERC strategic priority (current FY 2010/11)
Climate System
Biodiversity
Earth System Science
2.05
.25
1.70
Sustainable Use of
Natural Resources
Natural Hazards
*Combined Responsive Mode and Directed Programme grants
NOTE: All metrics should be presented as whole or part of whole number NOT as a %
Environment, Pollution
& Human Health
Technologies
OVERVIEW & ACTIVITIES IN FINANCIAL YEAR (2009/10):
This year was the final year of the fourth Agreement and 4 new projects were submitted: 2 projects attracted good 4
grades, one project was rejected and one was invited for resubmission. There are 15 ‘live’ projects and for 6 projects the
analytical work was completed. During this year one new PhD project which requires significant U-series data was started
and the PGRS is being trained and is active in the OUUSF laboratory. Seven papers were published in 2010 and six are in
preparation or have been submitted.
The MAT262 mass spectrometer has been performing well with its newly designed power distribution unit, and the new
focus potential supply unit, which was installed by Spectromat in 2009, has improved both sensitivity and usability. The
MAT262 TIMS has been used to determine isotope ratios in both ‘bracketing’ standards and other solution standards,
ensuring that our MC-ICPMS data remain compatible with TIMS. Ra analysis are performed on the MAT262 TIMS with
>20% ionisation efficiency.
The Nu Instruments MC-ICPMS also performed well. Some subsystems have been less reliable but the excellent service
from the manufacturers, usually involving the next-day replacement, has kept down-time to a minimum. However, the RF
generator failed completely and had to be replaced by the OEM manufacturer aided by a capital allocation from NERC S&F.
During the delivery time, we used a loan unit from Nu Instruments.
The Ametek gamma spectrometry system for the tracking of 237Np and 233Pa through our chemical separation procedure
231
for Pa quantification, is fully calibrated using a dedicated multi-nuclide source and is in routine operation for 232Pa and
237
Np tracking
The Nu Instruments MC-ICPMS is used for most U and Th measurements because its higher sensitivity and therefore
smaller sample size requirement is important as well as good precision. All Pa analyses where sensitivity is essential are
performed on the Nu Instruments. The Nu Instruments MC-ICPMS, is now in almost continuous use for U-series isotope
ratio determinations. The normal mode of operation is that on Sunday evening the plasma is switched on and run on a wash
cycle. Monday morning is used to tune all instrument variables and this culminates in a four ‘magnet cycle’ analysis of
CRM U112a (see Appendix 3.2). This allows monitoring of many performance indicators including SEM yields, hydride
formation, Abundance Sensitivity and RPQ performance. Then follows analysis of the ‘bracketing’ standard, -with isotope
ratios and signal intensities similar to samples- and when the bracketing standard reproducibility is within expectation,
samples are introduced. The instrument is then kept running (with overnight extended wash & standard cycles) for the rest of
the week, or until the reproducibility of the bracketing standard gives cause for concern.
The second batch of 231Pa samples has been analysed and the results have been submitted.
17 Total Procedure Samples of our Young Spele rock-powder standards were analysed as unknowns, as well as 11
other rock standards, >60 total procedure blanks, and numerous reagent blanks and shelf standards traceable to Certified
Reference Materials to maintain high levels of Quality Control. The CRM U112a database accumulates ~40 data-sets
each year, see Appendix 3.2.
The OUUSF website has been kept up-to-date and but the ‘wiki’ had to be withdrawn because of lack of use. The
‘public’ website has an Introduction into Uranium-series methodology, examples of Projects and lists of Publications. For
laboratory users at OUUSF there are intranet links to all Standard Operating Procedures and Training Manuals, the
laboratory Risk Assessments and spreadsheets and compilations of our laboratory standards and blanks. The intention of this
e-documentation is to comply with the spirit of ISO:9001-2000: Quality Assurance by Quality Control at a day-to-day level
and by frequent evaluation of QC data.
SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTS:
During 2010, seven papers to which OUUSF staff have made a significant contribution were published:
Cockell, C. S., van Calsteren, Peter, Mosselmans, J. Fred W., Franchi, Ian A., Gilmour, Iain, Kelly, Laura, OlssonFrancis, Karen, Johnson, Diane, JC24 Shipboard Sci Party. (2010). Microbial endolithic colonization and the geochemical
environment in young seafloor basalts. Chemical Geology, 279(1-2), 17-30. doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2010.09.015
Turner, J. A., Leeder, M. R., Andrews, J. E., Rowe, P. J., van Calsteren, P., Thomas, L. (2010) Testing rival tectonic
uplift models for the Lechaion Gulf in the Gulf of Corinth rift. Journal of the Geological Society, 167(6), 12371249. DOI:10.1144/0016-76492010-035
Baker, A., Asrat, A., Fairchild, I.J., Leng, M.J., Thomas, L., Widmann, M., Jex, C.N., Dong, Buwen, van Calsteren,
P., Bryant, C. (2010). Decadal-scale rainfall variability in Ethiopia recorded in an annually laminated, Holocene-age,
stalagmite. The Holocene, 20(6), 827-836. DOI:10.1177/0959683610365934.
Wainer, K., Genty, D., Damart, B,. Daëron, D.M., Vonhof, H., Dublyansky, Y., Guo, W., Pons-Branchu, E., Thomas,
L.E., Calsteren, P. van, Quinif, Y., Caillon, N., Robin, E., (2009). Speleothem record of the last 180 ka in Villars cave
(SW France): investigation of a large d18O shift between MIS-6 and MIS-5. JQSR-D-10-00011R2, : Quaternary Science
Reviews: DOI:10.1016/j.quascirev.2010.07.004.
Stone, A. E. C., Viles, H. A., Thomas, L., van Calsteren, P. (2010) Quaternary tufa deposition in the Naukluft
Mountains, Namibia. Journal of Quaternary Research: 25(8), 1360-1372. DOI: 10.1002/jqs.1435
Searle, R.C., Murton, B. J., Achenbach, K., LeBas, T., Tivey, M., Yeo, I., Cormier, M., Carlut, J., Ferreira, P,
Mallows, C., Morris, K., Shroth, N, Calsteren, P. van, Waters, C. (2010). Structure of an Axial Volcanic Ridge: MidAtlantic Ridge, 45°N. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 299, 228–241.DOI:10.1016/j.epsl.2010.09.003
Hughes P.D., Woodward J.C., Calsteren P. van, Thomas L.E., Adamson, K. (2010). Pleistocene ice caps on the coastal
mountains of the Adriatic Sea: palaeoclimatic and wider palaeoenvironmental implications. Quarterary Science Review:
29(27-28) 3690-3708. DOI:10.1016/j.quascirev.2010.06.032
Highlight: #55, 2006, IP/929/1106: Prof RC Searle, Earth Sciences Durham NE/C5205981/1: MORB, Reykjanes
Ridge. Structure and evolution of axial volcanic ridges: constraining the architecture, chronology and evolution of ocean
ridge magmatism. a4h. See appendix 10. This is part of a paper in preparation and confidential.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS/STRATEGIC FORWARD LOOK
The Agreement between the OU and NERC that funds OUUSF is not being renewed, despite the Davidson
Review, less than 4 years ago, which recommended that our U-series facility was desirable and the specific
SRG recommendation in 2010 that OUUSF should be funded for a further 3 year.
We have negotiated a reasonable run-out period till 30 November 2011 and aim to complete all the ‘live’
projects by that deadline. OUUSF will remain a NERC Recognised Facility.
For the near future The Open University intends to maintain the U-series capability to allow its as well as
collaborative grant submissions.
Non-Mandatory Facility-specific OPMs: utilisation, allocation of capacity etc
OUUSF Mission Statement:
OUUSF is hosted by the Isotope Geochemistry Research Group, Earth and Environmental Sciences,
The Open University.
OUUSF is providing U-series methodology through collaborative projects to researchers within the
NERC remit to further the goals in NERC strategy 2007-2012: Next generation science for planet Earth,
Science-based Archaeology and responsive mode (‘blue skies’) research.
OUUSF provides web-based training material and one-to-one training for post-graduates and research
scientists in U-series laboratory techniques, underlying theory and data evaluation.
OUUSF pursues an ‘open door’ attitude and will share methods and protocols with collaborators and
the wider scientific community.
OUUSF aims to expand and improve analytical techniques for chemical preparation in a state-of-the-art
laboratory, using the latest mass spectrometric instrumentation, to support innovative collaborative
projects.
NERC Isotope Geoscience Facilities Steering Committee, 2008
Chair:
Prof Julian E Andrews
School of Environmental Sciences
University of East Anglia
Norwich, NR4 7TJ
Tel: +44 160 359 2536
E-mail: j.andrews@uea.ac.uk mailto:j.andrews@uea.ac.uk
Members
Prof SA Bowring
Department of earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
MIT Building 54-1126
Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
Tel: +1 0617 2530 3775
E-mail: sbowring@mit.edu
Prof. A Chamberlain
Department of Archaeology
The University of Sheffield
Northgate House, West Street
SHEFFIELD S1 4ET
Tel: +44 114 222 2906
E-mail: a.chamberlain@sheffield.ac.uk
Dr Sarah Davies
Room E21d, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences,
Llandinam Building
Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth
Ceredigion SY23 3DB, Wales, UK
Tel: +44 1970 622585
E-mail: sjd@aber.ac.uk
Dr Colin Mcpherson
Department of earth Sciences
Durham University, Science Labs
Durham, DH1 3LE
Tel: +44 191 334 2283
E-mail: colin.mcpherson@durham.ac.uk
Dr RA Mills
School of Ocean and Earth Sciences
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Southampton, SO14 3ZH
Tel: +44 23 8059 2678
E-mail: ram1@noc.soton.ac.uk
Administration:
Béatrice Bullock-von Moos
NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratory
British Geological Survey
Kingsley Dunham Centre
Keyworth, NG12 5GG
Tel. + 44 115 936 3425
bbullock@bgs.ac.uk
Ex-officio:
Dr Ian Millar, Secretary
NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratory
British Geological Survey
Kingsley Dunham Centre
Keyworth, NG12 5GG
Tel: +44 115 936 3402
Email: ilm@gbs.ac.uk
Dr R Lin F Kay
Science and Innovation Funding
NERC
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: +44 179 341 1500
E-mail: rlfk@nerc.ac.uk
Dr Adrian J Boyce
SUERC
Rankine Avenue
East Kilbride, G75 0QU
Tel: +44 1355 270143
E-mail: a.boyce@suerc.gla.ac.uk
Dr Fin M Stuart
SUERC
Rankine Avenue
East Kilbride, G75 0QU
Tel: +44 1355 270139
E-mail: f.stuart@suerc.gla.ac.uk
Prof. Melanie J Leng
NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratory
British Geological Survey
Kingsley Dunham Centre
Keyworth, NG12 5GG
Tel: +44 115 936 3515
Prof Clive M Rice
College of Physical Science
School of Geosciences
Geology & Petoleum Geology
Meston Building, King’s College
Aberdeen, AB24 3UE
Tel: +44 1224 273433
E-mail: c.rice@abdn.ac.uk
Prof Jim Marshall
Earth and Ocean Sciences,
University of Liverpool
Tel:+44 1517945177
E-mail: isotopes@liv.ac.uk
E-mail: mjl@nigl.nerc.ac.uk
Prof. Randy R Parrish
NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratory
British Geological Survey
Kingsley Dunham Centre
Keyworth, NG12 5GG
Tel: +44 115 936 3427
E-mail: r.parrish@nigl.nerc.ac.uk
Dr Peter van Calsteren
Department of Earth Sciences
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA
Tel: +44 1908 652889
E-mail: p.v.calsteren@open.ac.uk
NIGF Steering Committee: Remit
The NERC Isotope Geosciences Facilities Steering Committee exists to:
review applications for use of:
the NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratory;
the Argon Isotope Facility at the SUERC;
the Isotope Community Support Facility at the SUERC; and
the Open University Uranium Series Facility
monitor outputs from these Facilities;
provide advice to the Director, Science and Innovation Funding on aspects of the operations of these
Facilities.
The Director, Science and Innovation Funding, in turn, provides advice to the Science and Technology Board
of Council on Services and Facilities relevant to their remit.
Terms of Reference
1. To review applications and to establish priorities for the Heads of these Facilities in the allocation of those
of the Facilities’ resources funded from the Science and Innovation Funding allocation, taking into
account NERC Strategy and recommendations made through the NERC peer-review mechanisms.
2. To review the scientific quality of work undertaken by users utilising these Facilities, based on reports and
publications.
3. To monitor the level of user-satisfaction with the Facilities, and to analyse the user-base.
4. To give guidance to the Heads of these Facilities on improvement of the Facilities’ equipment and on their
service function.
5. To advise the Director, Science and Innovation Funding on:
5.1. the level and direction of the internal R & D programme for these Facilities;
5.2. the anticipated levels of future demand and any consequential anticipated changes in resource
requirements from these Facilities.
5.3. on other matters, as appropriate and reasonable.
6. To receive annually a report from the Heads of these Facilities, and comment through the Chair on them
before passing them to the Director, Science and Innovation Funding.
1. Equipment Inventory
OUUSF does not own any equipment but uses instruments, facilities and infrastructure of The Open
University
2. Future Developments.
No developments foseeable
3. Summary of Performance Information
3.1. Active projects
IP number
University
Institute
PI name
title
Sample type
done
IP/867/1105
Liverpool
E&O science
Marshall
Hawes Water
lake marls
done
IP/911/0506
Bristol
Archaeology
Zilhao
Iberian,Neanderthal
speleothem
done
IP/912/0506
Southampton
SOES,NOC,S
Mills
Feni Drift N Atlantic
ooze
live
IP/929/1106
Durham
Earth Sciences
Searle
MORB
Reykjanes Ridge
done
IP/938/1106
Leeds
Geography
Lawson
Ioannina, Greece
laminated marl
done
IP/1025/0508
UEA
SES
Andrews
Gulf of Corinth
cement
live
IP/1075/1108
Zoological Soc
Inst Zoology
Turvey
Puerto Rico
nesophontes jaw
done
IP/1067/1108
Durham
Earth Sciences
Baldini
Niedzwiedzia, Poland
stalagmites
done
IP/1099/0509
Birmingham
SGEES
Baker
Ethiopia
stalagmites
done
IP/1114/0509
Cambridge
Earth Sciences
Hodell
Peru
stalagmites
live
IP/1109/0509
Manchester
SE&D
Hughes
Velebit Mountains, Croatia
Speleothem
live
IP/1143/1109
East Anglia
SES
Turner
Perachora, Greece
lithophaga
live
IP/1140/1109
Manchester
SED
Woodward
Macedonia
flowstone
Live
IP/1160/0510
Royal Holloway
GESS
Mattey
Mawmluh Cave, NE India
Speleothem
live
IP/1224/1110
Birmingham
SGEES
Fairchild
Flores Indonesia
stalagmites
3.2. U112a standard data
4. OUUSF
output since 2008, published papers with number since 1998 and in preparation (no
number), IP code, PI, Science area,
44. Turner, J.A., Leeder, M.R., Andrews, J.E. and Rowe, P.J.. (2008) Comment on "A comparison of 103 - 105 year uplift rates
on the South Alkyonides Fault, central Greece: Holocene climate stability and the formation of coastal notches" by Cooper et.
al., (2007). Geophysical Research Letters, 35. L19314 doi:10.1029/2008GL034854. (IP/1115/0509) GC
45. Caseldine, C.J., McGarry, S.F., Baker, A., Hawkesworth, C. and Smart, P.L. (2008). Late Quaternary speleothem pollen in
the British Isles. Journal of Quaternary Science, DOI: 10.1002/jqs.1121. (IP/578/0998) GC
46. Woodward, J.C., Hamlin, R.H.B., Macklin, M.G., Hughes, P.D., Lewin, J. (2008). Glacial activity and catchment dynamics
in northwest Greece: long-term river behaviour and the slackwater sediment record for the last glacial to interglacial transition.
Geomorphology, 101, 44-67. (IP/878/1105) GC
47. Roberts, G. P., Houghton, S.L., Underwood, C., Papanikolaou, I., Cowie, P.A., van Calsteren, P., Wigley, T., Cooper, F.J.
and McArthur, J.M. (2009). Localization of Quaternary slip rates in an active rift in 105 years: An example from central Greece
constrained by 234U-230Th coral dates from uplifted paleoshorelines, Journal of Geophysical Research, 114, B10406.
doi:10.1029/2008JB005818. (IP/787/0902) GC
48. Stone, A. E. C., Viles, H. A., Thomas, L., van Calsteren, P. (2010) Quaternary tufa deposition in the Naukluft Mountains,
Namibia, Journal of Quaternary Research: 25(8), 1360-1372. DOI: 10.1002/jqs.1435 (IP/937/1106) GC
49. Baker, A., Asrat, A., Fairchild, I.J., Leng, M.J., Thomas, L., Widmann, M., Jex, C.N., Dong, Buwen, van Calsteren, P.,
Bryant, C. (2010). Decadal-scale rainfall variability in Ethiopia recorded in an annually laminated, Holocene-age, stalagmite.
The Holocene, in press July 2010. doi:10.1177/0959683610365934. (IP/932/1106, IP/1099/0509) GC
50. Jex, C., Baker, A., Eastwood, W., Fairchild, I.J., Leng, M., Sloane, H., Thomas, L. Berkaroglu, E. (2010). Calibration of
δ18O with Instrumental Climatic Records from a ModernTurkish Speleothem., Journal of Global Planetary Change, in press
2010. (doi:10.1016/j.gloplacha.2009.08.004). (IP/932/1106, IP/1099/0509) GC
51. J.A. Turner, M.R. Leeder, J.E. Andrews, P.J. Rowe, P. Van Calsteren and L. Thomas. (2010). Testing rival tectonic uplift
models for the Lechaion Gulf in the Gulf of Corinth rift. Journal of the Geological Society. 167; p. 1237-1250.
doi:10.1144/0016-76492010-035. (IP/1115/0509) GC
52. Hughes, P.D., J.C. Woodward, P.C. van Calsteren, L.E. Thomas, K.R. Adamson, (2010). Pleistocene ice caps on the coastal
mountains of the Adriatic Sea, Quaternary Science Reviews 1-19, doi:10.1016/j.quascirev.2010.06.032. (IP/878/1105) GC
Mason, J. E., Rowe, P. J., Andrews, J. E., Marca, A. D., Thomas, L., van Calsteren, P., Jex, C. N., Vonhof, H. B., Al-Omari, S.
(2009) Precessionally-Forced Seasonality and Climate Teleconnections in a Late Quaternary Turkish Speleothem. Geology,
submitted. (IP/998/1107; IP/977/0507) GC
Andrews, J.E., Turner, J.A, Leeder, M.R., Portman, C., Rowe, P.J., van Calsteren, P. and Thomas, L. (2009) Sea level and
climate indicators, Perachora peninsular (Gulf of Corinth, Greece) MIS 5 to MIS 7. Sedimentology, submitted. (IP/1025/0508)
GC
Jex, C., Eastwood, W., Fairchild, I.J., Baker, A., Leng M.J., Sloane, H.J., Thomas, L. (2010). Multiple speleothem-based
reconstructions of LGM to Holocene palaeoclimate from North East Turkey. Submitted. (IP/932/1106, IP/1099/0509) GC
Mason, J.E., Rowe, P.J., Andrews, J.E., Marca, A.D., Thomas, L., van Calsteren, P., Jex, C.N., Vonhof ,H.B., Al-Omari, S.
Relationship of winter rainfall in Turkey to the East Asian Monsoon and North Atlantic climate between 77 kyr – 6 kyr.
Geophysical Research Letters, submitted July 2010. (IP/998/1107; IP/977/0507) GC
5. Targets & Milestones
instrument utilisation;
The OUUSF Agreement is for the utilisation of 25% of the U-series laboratory capacity, equivalent to
approximately 150 samples per year and this target has been achieved. 28 ‘rock’ standards mainly our
homogenised stalagmite YS, were analysed as Total Procedure Standards to assess the full analytical
protocol. >60 Total Procedure Blanks, reagent blanks and shelf standards traceable to Certified Reference
Materials were analysed to monitor routine performance for Quality Control purposes in the spirit of
ISO:9001. On the MC-ICPMS >400 traceable standards were analysed in Sample-Standard-Standard
analysis ‘bracketing’ protocols. Dozens of test solutions were devised and tested as part of the 231Pa analysis
protocol developments.
allocation of capacity and effort;
Instrument and laboratory time for OUUSF operations were scheduled in consultation with other users and
there was no friction.
throughput;
The analytical workload was significantly above average, partly because activity associated with PGRS
working in the lab and our usual turn-around times have not always been maintained.
response times and data delivery to customers;
Analytical results have mostly been submitted to PI’s within the agreed time-frame with a few exceptions.
‘Teething trouble’ with the protactinium method and the large number of samples for which a ‘detrital’
correction is required, have resulted in delays. Communications regarding interpretations and publication are
always conducted with the highest priority.
user satisfaction;
Our new and improved collaborator contact strategy includes 3-monthly emails updating each collaborator on what
has been happening at OUUSF and updates on their samples.
In view of the imminent closure of OUUSF, we concluded that auser survey would not be desirable. However, we
will continue to undertake an ‘exit survey’ of each collaborator when we finish the analytical stage of a project. This
enables us to close that aspect of a project and gain important feedback on our performance, including areas that
need improving.
The ‘exit survey’ will also provide us with an opportunity to gauge the state of manuscript preparation, especially
regarding the relatively large number of collaborations involving PGRSs.
Details of the complaints procedure are on the OUUSF website; no complaints were made.
scheduled maintenance, calibrations, planned contingency, down time due to external factors
etc.;
Instrument maintenance is scheduled such that impact on availability is minimal, calibrations are part of the
analytical ‘continuum’ and not separately accounted. Downtime due to external factors is minimised, mainly
by the use of an Uninterruptable Power Supply that keeps the mains working on all our instruments. The
working relationship with our Estates Division staff is such that maintenance on the Air Handling Units, Air
Conditioning Plant and any other activity, is scheduled to fit with our needs.
summary of internal R&D output;
No further internal research relevant to OUUSF has been undertaken.
6. Finance
Details are included in the accounts filed by The Open University: Finance Division.
7. Service Management
Dr Peter van Calsteren is Principal Investigator and Manager of OUUSF as Senior Research Fellow, Dr
Louise Thomas is Project Officer and is OUUSF-funded through the NERC-OU Agreement. Dr Sam
Hammond has left OUUSF and is now the IGL laboratory manager. Andrea Kwateng was appointed from 15
February 2010 and is Part-Time (50%) Grade 6 Technician, OUUSF-funded through the NERC-OU
Agreement till 31 March 2011. Andrea also has a 50% appointment running the Agilent 7500 ICPMS in
EES. All OUUSF staff are employed in Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science
at The Open University on its standard Terms and Conditions.
8. Outreach
We aim to better promote the U-series facility in the wider academic community through the attendance at
conferences and giving talks to other universities, and we are also taking part in local ‘Outreach’ activities.
We have been involved in visits to local schools. Both LET and PvC are trained as STEM Ambassadors.
9. Projects for which the analytical work has been completed
2005 IP/867/1105 Liverpool E&O science, Marshall, a4m. Hawes Water lake marls Quantification of
terrestrial climate records- combination of biological and chemical proxies: a high resolution spatial
analysis of centennial-millenial climate change in NW England. Project terminated, no publishable
chronology emerged, despite numerous tries, allogenic contributions excessive.
2006 IP/911/0506 Bristol Archaeology, Zilhao, a4low. Iberian Peninsula, Neanderthal speleothem The
late survival of the Middle Paleolithic and Neanderthals in the Iberian Peninsula. Project terminated,
probably no publishable chronology but some usable age indications, allogenic contributions excessive.
2006 IP/912/0506 Southampton SOES,NOC,S, Mills, a4h. Feni Drift N Atlantic ooze Does sediment
reworking in the North Atlantic affect the 231Paxs/230Thxs ratio? Project terminated, budget and effort
allocation exceeded, but insufficient data, particularly on external ‘known’ standards, for publication
2008 IP/1067/1108 Durham Earth Sciences, Baldini, a4low. Niedzwiedzia, Poland stalagmites
Intra-Continental Reconstruction of the North Atlantic Oscillation using Stalagmite b Isotopes and Trace
Elements (INSITE). Data submitted, samples proved exceedingly low in uranium and the analytical
program had to be duplicated with larger amounts of material. Data submitted and being evaluated
2009 IP/1099/0509 University of Birmingham SGEES, Baker, a4high. Ethiopia stalagmites Early
human migration out of Ethiopia: stalagmite isotopic evidence of a climatic forcing during 130-60ka. Data
submitted and being evaluated.
2009 IP/1114/0509 University of Cambridge Earth Sciences, Hodell, pilot Peru stalagmites Do
millenial scale events in tropical Andean speleothems record northern high latitude climate changes? Pilot
data submitted, also, a parallel program funded by NSF in collaboration with OU scientists on the same
project is evaluated simultaneously.
10. Science Highlights
Project #55, 2006, IP/929/1106: Prof RC Searle, Earth Sciences Durham NE/C5205981/1: MORB, Reykjanes
Ridge. Structure and evolution of axial volcanic ridges: constraining the architecture, chronology and evolution of
ocean ridge magmatism. This is part of a paper in preparation and confidential
Ocean floor lavas are produced by magmatism and samples retrieved from the ocean floor offer a window into the processes of
magma generation and evolution. Magma at mid ocean ridge system is generated by isentropic decompression melting as a
consequence of mantle upwelling ref. 1. Trace element characteristics have been used extensively to unravel details of the
melting processes, e.g.ref 2. U-series systematics have been used to good effect to elucidate the rate and characteristics of
small-fraction partial melting processes at depth in the mantle under the ocean ridge system, e.g. refs 3-7 With certain
assumption and the right samples, it should be possible to constrain the timing and rate of volcanism focussed on the median
valley using U-series data. We have analysed samples collected during cruise JC024 to the AVR at MAR 45ºN in 2008 using
the remotely operated vehicle ISIS from RRS James Cook. Imagery allows accurate sampling and telemetry ensures precise colocation with geophysical data. Pillow protrusions of similar shape to basalt pillows but <1% of their size, and consisting
mainly of glass or with significant glass rims, were broken off using a hydraulic pincer on ISIS. Glass was chiselled of the
pillow protrusions on board ship and in the lab lightly crushed before handpicking optically pure fragments <0.25mm under a
binocular microscope for chemical separation. Samples were analysed at OUUSF using standard methods and techniques.
Figure 1. (230Th/232Th) vs (238U/232Th) ‘equiline
diagram. Datapoints with error bars are for this
project. The tight cluster for these and for the
Lanzarote datapoints reflect, at least in part, the
better control of sampling, the other datapoints
are from seafloor dredge hauls.
1.4
equiline
(230Th/232Th)
1.2
1.0
Lanzarote
0.8
S of Iceland MAR
SWIR
JC24
4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
1.4
(238U/232Th)
U-series data are plotted in a (230Th/232Th) vs (232Th/238U) ‘equiline’ activity diagram, Fig. 1, together with published data from
refs 3,7&8. The limited scatter for the MAR 45ºN data indicates that the small-fraction partial melting processes that determine
the U-series characteristics, were indistinguishable for the majority of samples. The between-sample standard deviation for the
data cluster equates to a maximum age difference of ~10Ky. Three samples plot below the cluster and if it is accepted that these
too were formed in the same manner as the cluster than the ‘middle’ sample would be ~100Ky older, the samples near the
equiline are > 350Ky.
U-series data can constrain deep-seated small-fraction partial melting processes, as proposed in refs 5&6 and demonstrated
extensively. Our software model is based partly on both refs 5&6 and inferences are consistent with refs 7-11, the model is
illustrated in Fig. 2.
.
Figure 2. (230Th/232Th) vs (238U/232Th) ‘equiline
diagram. The olive-green line for a melt fraction
at 60Km depth of 1.3x10-8g/g/y fits well with the
data cluster in Fig.1.
melt fraction at 60Km depth
in 10-8g/g/y
1.
(230Th/232Th)
1
1
equiline
0.
9
source
incipient melt at 70Km
0.
8
0.
0.
(238U/232Th) 6
4
0.
8
For generally accepted deep-mantle modal compositions uranium and thorium are both highly incompatible and their
geochemical behaviour can be forward modelled to asses the processes of low melt fraction generation. Our model assumes
that incipient mantle melting begins at 70km depth in the garnet (and/or high-P pyroxene) stability zone. In this regime, Th is
more incompatible than U and preferentially partitions into the melt phase together with 230Th that is generated by radioactive
decay from 234U during the melting process. 230Th decays with a half-life of 75 Ky and provides information on the rate of melt
generation and migration. Melt migrates by porous flow to a depth of 60Km at a velocity somewhat faster than the matrix
upwelling rate which is taken as 1cm/y, the local half-spreading rate. Above 60Km melt migrates by channel flow, orders of
magnitude faster than porous flow. At 60Km depth garnet is replaced by spinel in the paragenesis and Th is no longer more
incompatible than U, moreover, the melt fraction has increased to >1% where Th/U no longer fractionates and the matrix is
highly depleted in both Th and U from melt extraction at deeper levels. The observation of U-series disequilibrium in extruded
lavas indicates that the time required for transport of melt from 60 Km depth to the laboratory is short relative to the 230Th halflife.
Our conceptual model for the magma generation resulting in AVR construction and accommodating sea-floor spreading is
based on both the U-series forward modelling described above and observations and data collected as detailed in ref 12.
In this conceptual model, small amounts of melt that are continuously generated at mantle levels shallower that 60 Km are
frequently ‘collected’ by small amounts of rapidly ascending melt in the channel flow regime. Such
melts will integrate compositions along the way and acquire trace element characteristics that are dominated by the
characteristics of the melts that dominate the occasional mix. The amount of melt present at anyone level at anyone time
depends on the frequency and efficiency of collecting, and is probably close to the channel flow threshold. The gathering of
small amounts but larger fraction melts together with amounts of small fraction melts from greater depths, allows the U/Th
characteristics of the garnet melting zone to be preserved in the eruption product, albeit variably diluted. The U-series isotope
characteristics of the garnet melting zone are preserved only because the time required for melt transport by channel flow is
short relative to the 230Th half-life and 230Th contributions from larger fraction melts are insignificant.
References:
1. Iwamori, H., McKenzie, D., Takahashi, E. Melt generation by isentropic mantle upwelling. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 134,
253-266 (1995)
2. Pearce, J.A. Parkinson, I.J. Trace element models for mantle melting: application to volcanic arc petrogenesis. Geological
Society, London, Special Publications 76, 373-403, (1993) doi: 10.1144/GSL.SP.1993.076.01.19
3. Standish, J.J. & Sims, K.W.W. Young off-axis volcanism along the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge. Nature
Geoscience 3, 286-292 (2010). DOI:10.1038/NGEO824
4. Sturm, M.E., Goldstein, S.J., Klein, E.M., Karson, J.A., Murrell, M.T. Uranium-series age constraints on lavas from the
axial valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, MARK area. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 181 61-70 (2000).
5. Spiegelman, M. & Elliott, T. Consequences of melt transport for uranium series disequilibrium in young lavas. Earth
Planet. Sci. Lett. 118 1-20. (1993).
6. Williams, R.W. & Gill, J.B. Effects of partial melting on the uranium decay series. Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta 53,
1607-1619, (1989).
7. Peate, D.W., Hawkesworth, C.J., van Calsteren, P., Taylor, R.N., Murton, B.J. 238U-230Th constraints on mantle upwelling
and plume-ridge interaction along the Reykjanes Ridge. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 187, 259-272 (2001).
8. Thomas, L.E., Hawkesworth, C.J., van Calsteren, P., Turner, S.P. and N.W. Rogers. Melt generation beneath Ocean
Islands: a U-Th isotope study from Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta , 63, 4081-4099
(2000).
9. Goldstein, S. J., Murrell, M. T., Janecky, D. R., Delaney, J. R. & Clague, D. A. Geochronology and petrogenesis of MORB
from the Juan de Fuca and Gorda ridges by 238U_230Th disequilibrium. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 109, 255_272 (1992).
10. Sims, K. W. W. et al. Chemical and isotopic constraints on the generation and transport of magma beneath the East Pacific
Rise. Geochim. et Cosmochim. Acta 66, 3481_3504 (2002).
11. Lundstrom, C.C., Gill, J., Williams, Q.,. Hanan, B.B. Investigating solid mantle upwelling beneath mid-ocean ridges using
U-series disequilibria. II. A local study at 33ºS Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 157, 167–181 (1998)
12. Searle, R.C. Murton, B.J. Achenbach, K. LeBas, T. Tivey, M. Yeo, I. Cormier, M.H. Carlut, J. Ferreira, P. Mallows, C.
Morris, K. Schroth, N. van Calsteren, P. , Waters, C. Structure and development of an axial volcanic ridge: Mid-Atlantic
Ridge, 45°N. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 299, 228–241 (2010)