GeoTarget Solutions Inc.
Tel: +1 514 796-7577
6948 Sperling Avenue,
Burnaby,
BC,
V5E 2W2,
Canada
We offer to prepare and deliver interactive short-courses for our clients that are targeted to their requirements, in which case the short course
can include an interpretation of the data acquired for the client, resulting in simultaneous tuition, the transparent generation of a conclusion for
the client’s application and a reduction in overall costs. General courses can be designed to cover a given topic such as the theory and application
of thermochronology, geochemistry and isotopic tracing, using real, public domain and synthetic data.
A three day short course on metallogenic provinces in the Northern Andes is currently offered by GTS Inc.
For further details please see here.
The GeoTarget Solutions Inc. core curriculum covers the following topics:
Our course on thermochronology covers the theory, scientific principals and assumptions that lie behind all thermochronological analyses that are performed today. We will teach you how to sample for 40Ar/39Ar, fission-track and (U-Th-Sm)/He analyses, how the data is collected and how to interpret the data. Importantly, we will present numerous case studies where thermochronological methods have been used to develop robust structural and tectonic frameworks for crystalline terranes and sedimentary basins that host economic metal and hydrocarbon deposits.
Our course on geochronology presents the various options that are available for geoscientists to radiometrically date the ages of minerals such as zircon. We will describe the basic theory behind each method, and then evaluate the quality of the data that is output against its cost. This course provides our clients with a sound knowledge base to be able to select the most appropriate dating method, depending on the available budget, required precision and the turn-around time required for data acquisition.
Application of analytical techniques to obtaining reliable chemical data from complex (geological and environmental) materials, and evaluation of the data in terms of problem solving. The instrumental techniques covered are: Electron Microprobe analysis (WDS and EDS), Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Fluorescence Spectromentry, X-ray Diffraction, Atomic Spectroscopy (Atomic Absorption, ICP-MS, TIMS), Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis.
The application of thermodynamic principles to igneous and metamorphic petrology and economic geology. Topics include but are not restricted to: solid solutions in minerals, behavior of geological fluids, phase equilibria, flow processes, evaluation of thermodynamic data.
Phase equilibria, mineralogy, chemical properties and processes relevant to the petrogenesis of igneous rocks in a range of tectonic settings. Investigation of the primary mechanisms causing the diversity of igneous rock compositions on the Earth, other planets, asteroids, and meteorite parent bodies.
This course offers a systematic review of the nature and origin of the major types of metallic and non-metallic mineral deposits, their typical occurrences and global distribution with applications to exploration. We explore magmatic ores, massive sulfides, and iron formations with a particular emphasis on the principles of hydrothermal ore-forming processes and application of these principles to understanding their nature and mode of occurrence.
Physicochemical controls of hydrothermal mineral deposition. Discussion of fluid inclusion theory and application. Discussion of table isotope systematics, wall-rock alteration, ore mineral solubility and speciation and mechanisms of mineral deposition. Discussion of geological setting, fluid and metal sources, method of metal transport, and factors controlling metal concentration for a selection of hydrothermal mineral deposit types.
The use of chemical thermodynamics to study fluid-rock interactions with an emphasis on the aqueous phase. This course introduces basic concepts and discusses aqueous complexing, mineral-surface adsorption, and other controls on crustal fluid compositions. Applications range from considering contaminated groundwater systems to metamorphic rock reactions.
Chemical evolution of the atmosphere and oceans. Detailed characterization of the major reactions and processes governing the weathering of rocks and the diagenesis of various types of sediments and sedimentary rocks. Basic concepts of low-temperature chemical equilibria, reaction kinetics and transport applied to the interpretation of the diagenetic evolution of pore waters and sediments. Introduction to driving forces and modeling of diagenesis. Relationship between organic matter and mineral diagenesis. Low-temperature geochemical cycles.
Coverage of commonly used methods in geophysical surveying including gravity, magnetism, electromagnetism, resistivity and induced polarization and seismology. Applications to oil and mineral exploration and near surface environmental and hydrological targets are showcased.
