Multiple sulphur isotopes reflecting atmospheric and oceanic evolution in the Archean and Paleoproterozoic

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Harald Strauß
• Subject Area: Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: from 2008 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 63055581

A major advance in our understanding of the early global sulphur cycle and its intimate relation to atmospheric chemistry and biogeochemistry is anticipated from multiple sulphur isotope data measured in sedimentary sulphides and sulphates of Archean and early Paleoproterozoic age. Respective implications will be far superior to those based on the traditional 34S record. A chemostratigraphic approach, involving the simultaneous measurement of 32S, 33S, 34S, and 36S, will be applied to major pre-2000 Ma sedimentary successions in southern Africa, Western Australia and Canada. Combined temporal records of 34S, 33S, and 36S will reveal unprecedented detailed information in respect to key issues, such as temporal changes in atmospheric composition, the evolution of sulphur biogeochemistry, and the overall operational mode of the global sulphur cycle. All will further our understanding of Earth System changes during the early part of Earth’s history.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Major Instrumentation: Massenspektrometer mit Fluorinierungsanlage
• Instrumentation Group: 1700 Massenspektrometer