GeoTarget Solutions Inc.
6948 Sperling Avenue,
Burnaby, BC, V5E 2W2, Canada
Tel: +1 514 796-7577

Thermochronology

Almost all processes which result in the precipitation of metals and the maturation of organic material to economic grades are temperature dependent. Consequently, the establishment of accurate thermal histories of potentially economic deposits or reservoirs is a crucial and time-saving step during exploration. GeoTarget Solutions Inc. has the experience and expertise to acquire and interpret thermochronological data from both metalliferous systems and sedimentary basins that are being explored for their economic potential. We can perform and offer the following thermochronological techniques:

  • Basin subsidence analysis (alkali feldspar multi-domain diffusion analysis, apatite fission-track and apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He analysis).
  • Hydrocarbon maturation studies (virtrinite reflectance, apatite fission-track and apatite (U-Th-Sm)/He analysis).
  • Quantifying thermal histories and exhumation depths of crystalline and sedimentary rocks (multiphase 40Ar/39Ar, apatite and zircon fission-track and apatite and zircon (U-Th-Sm)/He analysis) at prospect and regional scales.
  • Quantifying the timing and amount of fault displacement (multiphase 40Ar/39Ar, apatite and zircon fission-track and apatite and zircon (U-Th-Sm)/He analysis) in crystalline and sedimentary rocks.
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Thermochronological analyses are a unique solution for generating precise and accurate temperature-time paths for minerals. However, the techniques behind the analyses are frequently improved and updated, and it can be daunting for the uninitiated to keep track of recent developments, and therefore for the client to feel assured that their samples will be analysed using the most up-to-date and reliable methods that have been tried-and-tested and proven to work.

The staff at Geotarget Solutions Inc. are ready to provide free advice regarding which techniques and mineral phases are the most appropriate for your project aims. Our resident expert, Dr. Richard Spikings, has over 15 years experience acquiring and interpreting thermochronological data using numerous methods from a very wide range of geological environments, and will be happy to provide you with a written and oral summary of the most appropriate thermochronological treatment your samples should receive.