Closing the gap in K‑Ca‑Ar geochronology with TIMS/ZEPTONA

Image: Dan Meyers

This project establishes a nationally unique research capability for high‑precision potassium–calcium (K‑Ca) geochronology by upgrading the University of Adelaide’s TIMS/ATONA system with an ultra‑low‑noise ZEPTONA detector.

Overview

Led by A/Prof Juraj Farkas (University of Adelaide), the project upgrades existing TIMS instrumentation with the ZEPTONA detector to dramatically improve sensitivity and dynamic range for K‑Ca isotope measurements. The team will prepare and calibrate enriched isotope spikes, develop chromatographic separation methods, generate high‑precision reference datasets for key mineral standards, and validate in‑situ K‑Ca dating techniques across partner laboratories (Curtin, UWA, CSIRO, Geological Surveys, MinEx CRC). The project also includes the development of new IsoplotR tools for integrated K‑Ca‑Ar data analysis.

The Challenge

Potassium is one of the most common elements in Earth’s crust, and it slowly changes into two different elements over time. One of these pathways — the one that produces calcium — is actually the main way potassium decays. But despite its importance, scientists rarely use this pathway to date rocks due to analytical limitations and the lack of well‑characterised mineral standards.

Because of these limitations, a powerful dating tool has remained out of reach. This means Australia is missing opportunities to better understand the timing of geological events, validate existing dating methods, and support critical mineral exploration. The project aims to close this gap by creating the tools, datasets, and infrastructure needed to make K‑Ca dating practical, accurate, and widely usable.

Expected Outcomes

  • A fully commissioned TIMS/ATONA + ZEPTONA system enabling ultra‑sensitive, high‑precision isotope ratio measurements.

  • Nationally significant reference datasets for K‑rich mineral standards (feldspar, micas, illite) for both solution and in‑situ dating.

  • Validated in‑situ K‑Ca geochronology protocols for SIMS and LA‑MC‑ICP‑MS instruments at partner institutions.

  • New IsoplotR software tools for integrated K‑Ca‑Ar data visualisation and interpretation.

  • A multi‑institutional research infrastructure supporting advanced geochronology and critical mineral exploration.

What are the benefits?

  • New national capability for high‑precision K‑Ca dating: By leveraging existing research assets, this project will enable new applications in critical mineral exploration, environmental monitoring, and isotope tracing.

  • Robust calibration materials: Delivery of new measurement systems will help unlock widespread adoption of in‑situ K‑Ca geochronology across Australian laboratories.

  • Improved geochronological research: with new K‑Ca methods and data, this will enable earth scientists to independently validate K‑Ar and Ar‑Ar ages used in exploration and geological mapping.

Who will benefit

Several communities will benefit from this project, including:

  • Geoscience researchers require high‑precision geochronology for igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary systems.

  • Geological Surveys, CSIRO, and MinEx CRC, which rely on accurate dating for resource exploration and regional mapping.

  • Industry partners exploring critical minerals, Li‑pegmatites, and potassic alteration systems.

  • Environmental and nuclear science researchers who use Ca isotope tracers for coastal, biogeochemical, and radionuclide studies.

Access

  • The upgraded TIMS/ZEPTONA system will be hosted at the University of Adelaide and accessible to partner institutions through collaborative arrangements.

  • Reference datasets, analytical protocols, and software tools will be openly shared via AuScope platforms, AGN, and EarthBank.

  • In‑situ K‑Ca methods validated through this project will be available at Curtin, UWA, and other national facilities, enabling broad community uptake.

 
 

Project Name
Closing the gap in K‑Ca‑Ar geochronology with TIMS/ZEPTONA

Project Lead

Timeframe
Jan 2026 to Jun 2027

Status
Active

Funding
Pilot 5

Host
The University of Adelaide

Other Collaborators
Curtin University
University of Western Australia
CSIRO
State Geological Surveys

AuScope Programs

Acknowledging AuScope

This project was made possible by support from the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) through AuScope. Acknowledging AuScope and NCRIS helps us demonstrate the value of shared research infrastructure, ensuring continued support and resources for the research community.

If you helped deliver this project or have benefited from its outputs, please credit AuScope so we can include your work in our impact reporting. For examples of acknowledgment, please visit our ‘Acknowledge AuScope’ page.

We’d love to see your work—please tag us on social media using:

@auscope | #AuScopeImpact | #NCRISimpact

NVCLDaniel VlahekPilot 5, NCRIS, Active, K‑Ca geochronology Australia, TIMS ZEPTONA upgrade, Potassium‑calcium dating, Geochronology reference materials, Critical minerals geoscience