Going inside rocks to explore the scientific mysteries of fluid inclusions

For many years, the academic community has been paying close attention to the stable isotope geochemistry of gas inclusions (such as methane, ethane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, etc.) in mineral rocks. This is a field that has attracted much attention. However, due to the limitations of analytical techniques, no substantial breakthroughs have been made in this field.

In recent years, the team has made gratifying progress through years of experimental exploration. We all look forward to continuing to work hard in the future to overcome technical difficulties, and we firmly believe that teamwork and interdisciplinary cooperation will play a key role in overcoming technical difficulties. At the same time, we hope to make more progress in the future by working with our peers to provide support for research in the field of gas inclusion isotope geochemistry. This is a recognition of our past efforts and an expectation for future research.

Figure 1. Report title: "Progress in Isotope Analysis of Gas Inclusions in Minerals and Rocks" (Reporter: Li Zhongping)

Appendix: Some knowledge about fluid inclusions

Uncovering the mysteries of the Earth's deep interior: Scientific exploration of fluid inclusions

The earth is a planet full of mysteries, and deep inside it hides rich and mysterious geological processes. In the field of geochemistry, fluid inclusions have become the key to unlocking the mysteries of the earth's interior. This tiny and mysterious time capsule records every bit of the earth's evolution and provides scientists with a unique window. ① The origin of fluid inclusions: The interior of the earth is not an unchanging rock block, but is composed of liquid and gaseous fluids. These fluids are sealed in the mineral lattice in the form of tiny gaps or small particles, forming fluid inclusions. These tiny capsules carry traces of the earth's evolution and provide us with a window through time. ② Types of inclusions: Fluid inclusions are mainly divided into three categories: gas inclusions, liquid inclusions, and gas-liquid inclusions. These inclusions are widely distributed in every corner of the mineral rocks inside the earth, providing scientists with a large number of samples to study the mysteries of the deep earth.

Figure 1. Fluid inclusions in quartz. a, solution + gas inclusions; b, liquid CO2 two-phase inclusions; Cg, multiphase inclusions, H, i, crystalline fluid inclusions: cited from (As Borisenko 2011)

Inclusion formation process: The formation of fluid inclusions is a complex process involving high temperature and high pressure environments deep in the earth. When rocks are subjected to extreme conditions, fluids are trapped in tiny spaces through processes such as infiltration and phase change, forming fluid inclusions. These inclusions can be preserved over geological timescales, making them important specimens for studying the evolution of the earth. Inclusion research methods: Scientists use a variety of methods to study fluid inclusions, including microscopic observations, Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and other technical means. These advanced experimental methods allow scientists to gain a deep understanding of the properties and composition of the fluids in the inclusions.

Through these research methods, geochemists can restore the high temperature and high pressure environment inside the earth and analyze the history of the earth's evolution. The role of inclusions in mineralization Fluid inclusions not only provide important clues for earth science research, but also play a key role in ore deposits. Therefore, the information recorded in fluid inclusions can help scientists infer the conditions and processes of ore formation and provide important references for the exploration of mineral resources. This makes the study of fluid inclusions not only have profound implications for the evolution of the earth, but also have practical guiding significance for human resource utilization.

[Geology and Geochemistry Popular Science] Magical and beautiful fluid inclusions, the Earth's time capsule (attached: photos)

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