Lesson 1X-ray diffraction (XRD): phase identification goals and sample preparation notesDis part go cover XRD methods for BIF, focusing on phase identification, measuring iron oxides, carbonates, and silicates, and spotting amorphous parts. Big stress on sampling, grinding, and avoiding preferred orientation problems.
Choosing representative XRD samplesPowder preparation and grain-size controlInstrument settings and scan parametersIdentifying iron oxides, carbonates, silicatesSemi-quantitative phase estimation limitsLesson 2Stable isotopes (O, Si, C): what each proxy reveals about temperature, fluid sources, and diagenesisDis part go look at stable O, Si, and C isotopes in BIF materials, explaining wetin each one show bout temperature, fluid sources, water-rock interaction, and diagenesis, and how to mix multi-isotope data wid petrographic observations.
Sampling carbonates, cherts, and silicatesO isotope constraints on fluid temperatureSi isotopes and silica source signalsC isotopes in associated carbonatesCombining isotopes with petrographyLesson 3Dating approaches relevant to BIF studies: U-Pb on intercalated volcanics or zircons, Re-Os on sulfides, and stratigraphic correlation methodsDis part go review dating tools for BIF successions, like U-Pb on zircons from layered volcanics, Re-Os on sulfides, and chemostratigraphic and lithostratigraphic correlation, showing strengths, uncertainties, and how to mix dem.
Selecting datable interlayered unitsU-Pb zircon sampling and interpretationRe-Os sulfide sampling and limitationsChemostratigraphic correlation in BIFsIntegrating ages with regional stratigraphyLesson 4Designing a sampling plan: sample spacing in outcrop and core, targeting cycles, and strategies for composite sectionsDis part go outline how to plan BIF sampling in outcrop and core, including spacing, targeting sedimentary cycles, capturing facies transitions, and building composite sections wey keep stratigraphic context but still easy to do.
Defining scientific questions and scalesSampling spacing in outcrop and coreTargeting facies and cycle boundariesBuilding composite stratigraphic sectionsDocumenting locations and metadataLesson 5Optical petrography: objectives, thin-section techniques (transmitted and reflected light), and key textures to documentDis part go introduce optical petrography for BIF, stressing how transmitted and reflected light thin sections show mineralogy, textures, and microstructures wey record depositional processes, diagenesis, deformation, and fluid overprints.
Objectives of BIF petrographic studiesPreparing transmitted light thin sectionsPreparing reflected light polished sectionsRecognizing primary banding and laminationIdentifying diagenetic and metamorphic texturesLesson 6Iron isotope analyses and their interpretive use for redox and source studiesDis part go introduce iron isotope analysis in BIF research, covering sampling strategies, purification methods, mass spectrometry, and how δ56Fe signatures control redox processes, iron sources, microbial activity, and diagenetic overprints in ancient basins.
Sampling strategies for Fe isotopesChemical purification of iron fractionsMC-ICP-MS measurement considerationsInterpreting δ56Fe in depositional settingsRecognizing diagenetic isotope overprintsLesson 7Types of samples: bulk rock, oriented slabs, thin sections, polished mounts, and targeted micro-drilled powdersDis part go define BIF sample types and dem uses, from bulk rock and oriented slabs to standard thin sections, polished mounts, and micro-drilled powders, stressing how each one support specific petrographic, geochemical, and isotopic analyses and interpretations.
Bulk rock samples for whole-rock chemistryOriented slabs for structural contextStandard and doubly polished thin sectionsPolished mounts for reflected light and EMPAMicro-drilled powders for isotope analysesLesson 8Whole-rock major and trace element geochemistry (XRF/ICP-MS): elements to measure, expected ranges, and redox-sensitive proxies (Fe, Si, Mn, P, rare earth elements)Dis part go explain whole-rock XRF and ICP-MS workflows for BIF, including major and trace element targets, expected ranges, and redox-sensitive proxies like Fe, Si, Mn, P, and REE patterns to figure depositional and diagenetic conditions.
Sampling and contamination avoidanceFusion and dissolution preparation methodsKey major elements and Fe/Si ratiosTrace elements and REE pattern metricsRedox-sensitive elemental proxy selectionLesson 9Electron microprobe and SEM-EDS: mineral chemistry, zoning, and micro-texture documentationDis part go detail electron microprobe and SEM-EDS methods for BIF, focusing on mineral chemistry, zoning, and micro-textures. You go design analytical transects, interpret maps, and connect micro-scale observations to whole-rock geochemical patterns.
Sample polishing and coating requirementsBackscattered and secondary electron imagingPoint analyses and line transectsElemental mapping of mineral zoningLinking microtextures to bulk chemistry
