Strontium dating (as enabled by the 87Sr/86Sr ratio of marine carbonates) can be used to date various marine samples based on the premise that the mixing of oceanic strontium occurs relatively rapidly through time compared to the residence time of oceanic strontium.
In petroleum exploration, it is vital to be able to interpret and date key occurrences within petroleum systems – including petroleum generation and alteration (post-generation). For example, identifying and dating the occurrence of certain authigenic minerals (e.g. carbonate cements) can provide information on when and where oil is likely to accumulate to aid in targeting exploration.
Lead isotopes (Pb) are known to be a very toxic non-essential element, with origins within the earth’s crust. Through anthropogenic activities, lead becomes altered and released into the atmosphere, where it acts as a trace aerosol pollutant.