Dear Colleagues,

We are writing to highlight GSA session T113: Synchrotron X-ray and Neutron Applications in Earth and Environmental Science.

The GSA Connects 2024 conference is being held in Anaheim, California from September 22—25, 2024. The abstract submission portal is now open at https://community.geosociety.org/gsa2024/home and abstracts are due by June 18, 2024.

We encourage a broad range of submissions sharing results, perspectives, and advances in the use of synchrotron X-rays and neutrons to probe questions in Earth and environmental science. Confirmed invited speakers are:

Bryan Chakoumakos, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Brandy Toner, University of Minnesota

The session is described in more detail below.

We hope to see you in Anaheim!

Si Athena Chen, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Cara Santelli, University of Minnesota

Joanne Stubbs, The University of Chicago

Synchrotron X-ray and Neutron Applications in Earth and Environmental Science

X-ray and neutron techniques complement each other in exploring the intrinsic properties of minerals and materials. The high-penetrating power of synchrotron X-rays and neutrons, combined with recent advancements in instrumentation and computational approaches, have revolutionized many scientific disciplines, including mineralogy, (bio)geochemistry, petrology, soil science, sedimentology, oceanography, cosmochemistry, and ore deposits, etc.

Synchrotron facilities provide a diverse array of X-ray instruments, each with unique capabilities such as high temporal and spatial resolution, flexible sample environments, low detection limits, coherence, and a multitude of 2/3D imaging options. The advancement in synchrotron X-ray technology has propelled Earth science research in various aspects, ranging from low to high-temperature/pressure crystallography, in-operando studies of mineral-water reaction and nanoparticle formation, and 3D imaging of trace elements, among other applications.

Neutron scattering offers additional numerous advantages and is instrumental in investigating various mineral properties. These include the study of lattice dynamics of minerals and molecular systems, hydroxyl bonding environments in minerals, in-situ studies of structure under extreme conditions, diffusive processes in solids, mimicking reactions at surfaces and in interiors of planetary bodies, examining the nature of porous materials, imaging with elemental and isotopic contrast, as well as magnetic phase transitions.

This session welcomes contributions from researchers that have used synchrotron X-ray and neutron scattering in their studies. We aim to explore a broad spectrum of their applications in advancing geosciences and related fields. We also welcome submissions detailing current or planned synchrotron/neutron beamline capabilities that contribute to advancements in geoscience research.

This session is co-sponsored by:

Mineralogical Society of America (MSA)

Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Petrology & Volcanology Division (MGPV)

Energy Geology Division (EGD)

Sedimentary Geology Division (SGD)

Soils and Soil Processes Division (SSPD)