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Abstract:

Microscale mapping of geochemical data, both isotopic and trace elemental in nature, by LA-ICP-MS has become tremendously popular in recent years. Typically, such maps are produced by continuously analyzing the elements of interest while rastering a laser over an area and periodically monitoring gas blanks and standards. In order to properly interpret the resulting data, sophisticated processing, visualization and analyses are usually required. Although software packages exist to help with the aforementioned tasks, they tend to emphasize data processing and visualization, but quantitative analysis remains difficult. Here we report the capabilities of a new LA-ICP-MS mapping tool that focuses on visualization and analysis by leveraging Iolite's extensive data processing capabilities. It is written in Python and makes use of the matplotlib plotting library to produce publication quality figures. The key features include map-wide multi-phase internal standard corrections, extracting traverses, integrating arbitrarily shaped two-dimensional regions, and inspecting regions on the map via standard diagrams (e.g., concordia or REE). Furthermore, the package can be integrated with Iolite to provide a convenient workflow. Examples of zoned igneous phenocrysts from historic lava flows, zoned Precambrian pyrite of a sulfur reducing bacteria origin, reaction textures in spinel peridotite, and complex zircon will be provided to demonstrate the functionality and strengths of this new mapping tool.

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GeoRef, Copyright 2018, American Geological Institute.<br/>2014-034251