Hua-Ning QIU

Professor of Geochronology

Head of the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar Geochronology Laboratory

School of Earth Resources, China University of Geosciences

Huaning Qiu completed his B.A. in Geology at the Central South University (1983, Changsha); M.S. in Geochemistry at the Institute of Geochemistry CAS (1988, Guiyang); PhD in Geochemistry at Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry CAS (1998, Guangzhou).

Huaning Qiu visited the  ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar Geochronology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit (VU University) Amsterdam from February 2000 to May 2001. Together with Prof. J.R. Wijbrans, Huaning completed two KNAW-CAS international collaboration research projects from 2002 to 2010 and a jointly funded CAS-KNAW PhD Training Programme from 2009 to 2015.

MAP-215-50, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2000

Research Interest

My reseach efforts are focused on the ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating techniques and applications, especially in fluid inclusions ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar progressive crushing. Including:

[1] Geofluid ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating

[2] Ore-forming ages

[3] Oil/gas accumulation ages

[4] Young volcanic rocks

[5] Tectonics activities

Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry Laboratory

The CUG Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry Laboratory is one engaged in International EARTHTIME working group activities. There are three noble gas mass spectrometers for ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating and noble gas geochemistry.

1. High-precision ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar Geochronology

Mass spectrometer: Isotopx NGX-600 (2023) with high resolution (600) and high sensetivity. 

Cup Configuratures: (1) All Faradays (H3, H1, L1, L3 & L5); (2) Two Faradays (H4, H2) and three Electron Multipliers (Ax, L2 & L4)

Self-developed CO₂ laser：55W Coherent. Moving range: 600x100mm

Self-developed crusher: for dating fluid inclusions

Fully automatic ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar Geochronology Laboratory at the China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) 

2. UV-Laser Microprobe ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar Geochronology

Instrument:  Thermo Scientifc ARGUS VI noble gas mass spectrometer (2011)

Amplifiers:   H2 - 10¹¹ Ω; H1 - 10¹² Ω; Ax, L1 & L2 - 10¹³ Ω

UV-Laser: ESL NWR193HE (2023)

3. Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry

Mass spectrometer：Thermo Scientific Helix-MC Plus^10K (2023) 

4. Quadrupole MS Gas Analysis

QMS Gas Analytical Platform (Hiden HAL 1051-9 PIC) (2019)

⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating techniques

[1] Geofluid ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar progressive crushing

[2] Petroleum ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating

[3] Fully automatic ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar laser stepwise heating

Homemade peripheral facilities and Experimental techniques

Sample Chamber & viewport

Sample chamber with viewport Φ62mm, 2014

Homemade single-vacuum sample chamber with viewport Φ62mm, mounted on a 4.5" CF flange
    2005: viewport Φ28mm mounted on a 2.75" CF flange, in Guangzhou
    2006: viewport Φ50mm mounted on a 4.5" CF flange, in Guangzhou
    2014: viewport Φ62mm mounted on a 4.5" CF flange, in Wuhan

2021 new CO₂ laser 

The sample chambers are fixed and the laser are moving as a whole, which make the prep system better without flexible bellows.
Two micromotors make the laser moving in X-Y for 600x100 mm. 

  

CCD image showing laser heating.           Heating a large sample hole by moving circles (right).

Laser software responses to the Thermo Qtegra to heat sample automatically based on the schedule.

Cryotrap 

U-shaped cryotrap of liquid nitrogen refrigeration, temperature-controlled through double thermocouples, playing
an important role in purification of noble gases. The temperature is usually set at –60 to –120°C (CUG, 2015).

Crusher

  
Automatic crusher, to crush the grain sizes as uniformly as possible

  
Crusher tube, Pestle & Magnetic tool

Using a magnetic tool to move the pestle into/out of the tube. The non-magnetic sleeve makes it easy to remove the magnetic mineral powder. 

  
Adjustable timer relayes, controlling the crushing frequencies of pestle drops and horizontal hits (Qiu & Jiang, 2007 EPSL) 

Development history of crushing apparatus

Guiyang 1988: The crushing experiments were carried out by loading the samples and pestles into the (two) crushing tube chambers of an apparatus made of stainless steel and connected with the instrument, in which grains were crushed by repeatedly lifting and dropping the pestles using an external electromagnet. The pestles, made of pure iron and stainless steel (420 g), dropped samples through a height of 10–15 cm. The number of droppings in 1 min could be up to more than 100. (Qiu, 1996)

Amsterdam 2000: The crushing experiments were carried out in an inhouse designed crushing apparatus which was connected to the extraction line. The crusher consists of a 40 cm long, 4 cm diameter Inconel tube. The tube has spherical curvature on the inside base. The base is made of a 10 cm long — 4 cm diameter solid rod of Inconel that was welded to the tube. Crushing is achieved by moving a magnet steel dead-weight, with a machined spherical curvature on the one end, grooves on the side and a threaded nipple on the top end (for easy removal). The curvature on the dead-weight is of slightly smaller radius when compared to that of the crusher base, allowing concentration of powder near the tube central axis during crushing. Prior to analysis, blanks were reduced by heating the whole apparatus to 150°C using heating tape and the sample tube to 300°C using a furnace for ca. 12 h. The samples were crushed by repeatedly lifting and dropping the pestle using an external electromagnet with a frequency of one time per second (1 Hz) controlled by an adjustable power supply and pulse generator. The pestle was dropped from a height of 3 to 5 cm. As it was found that the gas yield decreased during the experiment, the number of the pestle movements for each successive extraction step was increased to maintain the argon concentration levels high enough for measurement. (Qiu & Wijbrans, 2006 GCA)

Guangzhou 2005: The crushing experiments were carried out in an inhouse designed crushing apparatus which was connected to the extraction line. The crusher is made of a new type of high-temperature (up to 1200°C) stainless steel tube of 210 mm in length and 28 mm in bore diameter. The tube has a spherical curvature on the inside base. The curvature on the dead-weight pestle is of slightly smaller radius than that of the crusher base, allowing concentration of powder to form near the tube central axis during crushing. Samples were crushed by repeatedly lifting and dropping the pestle using an external electromagnet respectively. Prior to analysis, blanks were reduced by heating the whole apparatus to 150°C using heating tape, and the sample tube was heated to 170°C using a furnace for ca. 10 h. The samples were crushed by repeatedly lifting and dropping the pestle using an external electric magnet with a frequency of 2.5 Hz controlled by an adjustable repeating-timer-relay. The pestle was dropped from a height of 3–5 cm. The pestle drop number of each step is recorded on a digital counter. (Qiu & Jiang, 2007 EPSL) 

Guangzhou 2006: The improved crusher is made of a type 316L stainless steel tube (170 mm long × 28 mm inner diameter) with a spherical curvature on the internal base. The pestle is made of magnetic 3Cr13 type stainless steel (or S42030), of 218 g. This new crusher is much smaller in diameter and length than the crusher tubes used previously in Amsterdam and Guangzhou. (Qiu et al., 2011 Geology)

Wuhan 2014: Tube 160mm Φ28, Pestle 214g

Preparation of quartz samples by crushing:

● Cutting quartz vein and excluding other generations. 

● Crushing and sieving for 30 ~ 40 meshes or 40 ~ 60 meshes.

● Washing with cleanwater and baking at 80 ~ 120 °C.

● Hand-picking mineral grains under a binocular microscope.

● Soaking in HNO3 for 30 min to remove carbonates and sulfides using an ultrasonic cleaner.

● Washing with cleanwater using an ultrasonic cleaner for more than three times.

● Baking at 80 ~ 120 °C.

Publications (Google Scholar, ORCiD, publons)

• Zhao, L.M., Li, Y.L., Cheng, S., Li, Z.Y., Zheng, J.P., Qiu, H.N., Bai, X.J., Xiao, W.J. and Brouwer, F.M. (2024). Geochronology and geochemistry of early Paleozoic magmatism in the Qilian orogen: Constraints on closure of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. Gondwana Res., 126, 223-242. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2023.10.006 

• Ning, J., Jiang, Y.D., Schulmann, K., Wang, S., Li, P.F., Shi, S. and Qiu, H.N. (2023). Silurian-Devonian Lithospheric Thinning and Thermally Softening Along the Northern Margin of the Tarim Craton: Geological Mapping, Petro-Structural Analysis and Geochronological Constraints. Tectonics, 42(9), e2023TC007792. https://doi.org/10.1029/2023tc007792 

• Wu, Y., Bai, X.J., Shi, H.S., He, L.Y. and Qiu, H.N.*, 2023. Dating of authigenic minerals in sedimentary rocks: A review. Earth-Sci. Rev., 241, 104443. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2023.104443 

• Zhang, T., Zhang, D.H.*, Liu, X.C., Qiu, H.N.*, Zhang, J.L. and Liu, Y.B., 2023. Petrogenesis of high heat production granite in eastern Hebei Province, China: Constraints from geochronology, geochemistry and Sr-Nd-Hf-O isotopes. Lithos, 436-437, 106974. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2022.106974 
  

• Hu, R.G., Pang, B.C., Bai, X.J., Brouwer, F.M., Bai, L.A., Liu, X.J., Li, Y.Q., Xu, J.Q. and Qiu, H.N., 2022. Progressive crushing ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating of a gold-bearing quartz vein from the Liaotun Carlin-type gold deposit, Guangxi, southern China. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 12793. https://doi.org10.1038/s41598-022-17061-x 

• Bai, X.J., Liu, M., Hu, R.G., Fang, Y., Liu, X., Tang, B., Qiu, H.N.*, 2022. Well-Constrained Mineralization Ages by Integrated ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar and U-Pb Dating Techniques for the Xitian W-Sn Polymetallic Deposit, South China. Econ. Geol. 117(4): 833–852. https://doi.org/10.5382/econgeo.4889.

• Bui, D.C., Qiu, H.N.*, Ngo, X.D., Bai, X.J.*, Wu, Y., 2022. Dating of granite-related tin mineralisation at Quy Hop, Vietnam: Constraints from zircon and cassiterite U–Pb and muscovite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology. Ore Geology Reviews, 143: 104785. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2022.104785

• Xiao, M., Jiang, Y.D., Zhao, G.C., Qiu, H.N., Cai, Y., Bai, X.J., Yuan, C., Zhang, W.F., Kong, L.Z., Wang, S., 2022. Fluid inclusion ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology of andalusite from syn-tectonic quartz veins: New perspectives on dating deformation and metamorphism in low-pressure metamorphic belts. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 323, 141–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2022.01.025 

• Xiao, M., Jiang, Y.D.*, Qiu, H.N.*, Cai, Y., Zhang, W.F., 2022. An improved gas extraction model during stepwise crushing: New perspectives on fluid geochronology and geochemistry. Ore Geol. Rev., 104588. 
  

• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2021.104588.

• Li, Y.L., Xiang, H., Zheng, J.P., Qiu, H.N., Bai, X.J. and Brouwer, F.M., 2022. Petrology and P-T-t Path of Huangyuan Group and Maxianshan Group in the Central Qilian Block, NW China: Implications for Tectonic Evolution of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. J. Petrol., 63(8), egac077. https://doi.org/10.1093/petrology/egac077 

• Xue, Z.H., Lin, W., Chu, Y., Faure, M., Chen, Y., Ji, W.B. and Qiu, H.N., 2022. An intracontinental orogen exhumed by basement-slice imbrication in the Longmenshan Thrust Belt of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau. Geol. Soc. Am. Bull., 134(1-2), 15–38. https://doi.org/10.1130/b35826.1 

• Xiao, M., Qiu, H.N.*, Cai, Y., Jiang, Y.D.*, Zhang, W.F., Fang, Y., 2021. Progressively released gases from fluid inclusions reveal new insights on W-Sn mineralization of the Yaogangxian tungsten deposit, South China. Ore Geol. Rev. 138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2021.104353.

• Schaen, A.J., Jicha, B.R., Hodges, K.V., Vermeesch, P., Stelten, M.E., Mercer, C.M., Phillips, D., Rivera, T.A., Jourdan, F., Matchan, E.L., Hemming, S.R., Morgan, L.E., Kelley, S.P., Cassata, W.S., Heizler, M.T., Vasconcelos, P.M., Benowitz, J.A., Koppers, A.A.P., Mark, D.F., Niespolo, E.M., Sprain, C.J., Hames, W.E., Kuiper, K.F., Turrin, B.D., Renne, P.R., Ross, J., Nomade, S., Guillou, H., Webb, L.E., Cohen, B.A., Calvert, A.T., Joyce, N., Ganerød, M., Wijbrans, J.R., Ishizuka, O., He, H.Y., Ramirez, A., Pfänder, J.A., Lopez Martínez, M., Qiu, H.N., Singer, B.S., 2021. Interpreting and reporting ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronologic data. GSA Bulletin 133, 461‒487. https://doi.org/10.1130/b35560.1.

• He, C.G., Li, J.W., Zu, B., Liu, W.J., Qiu, H.N., Bai, X.J., 2021. Sericite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar and zircon U-Pb dating of the Liziyuan gold deposit, West Qinling orogen, central China: Implications for ore genesis and tectonic setting. Ore Geol. Rev. 139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2021.104531.

• Hu, R.G., Wijbrans, J.R., Brouwer, F.M., Bai, X.J., Qiu, H.N., 2020. Constraints on retrograde metamorphism of UHP eclogites in North Qinling, Central China, from ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating of amphibole and phengite. Gondwana Res. 87, 83–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2020.06.003.

• Bai X.J., Hu R.G., Jiang Y.D., Liu X., Tang B. & Qiu H.N.*, 2019. Refined insight into ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar progressive crushing technique from K–Cl–Ar correlations in fluid inclusions. Chemical Geology, 515: 37‒49.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2019.03.037.

• Xiao M., Qiu H.N.*, Jiang Y.D.*, Cai Y., Bai X.J., Zhang W.F., Liu M. & Qin C.J., 2019. Gas release systematics of mineral-hosted fluid inclusions during stepwise crushing: implications for ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology of hydrothermal fluids. Geochimica Et Cosmochimica Acta, 251: 36‒55.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2019.02.016

• Bai X.J., Jiang Y.D., Hu R.G., Gu X.P. & Qiu H.N.*, 2018, Revealing mineralization and subsequent hydrothermal events: Insights from ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar isochron and novel gas mixing lines of hydrothermal quartzs by progressive crushing: Chemical Geology, 483: 332‒341.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2018.02.039.

• Bai X.J., Wang M., Jiang Y.D. & Qiu H.N.*, 2013, Direct dating of tin-tungsten mineralization of the Piaotang tungsten deposit, South China, by ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar progressive crushing: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 114: 1‒12, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2013.03.022.

• Jiang Y.D., Qiu H.N.* & Xu Y.G., 2012, Hydrothermal fluids, argon isotopes and mineralization ages of the Fankou Pb-Zn deposit in south China: Insights from sphalerite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar progressive crushing: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 84: 369‒379, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2012.01.044.

• Qiu H.N.*, Wu H.Y., Yun J.B., Feng Z.H., Xu Y.G., Mei L.F. & Wijbrans J.R., 2011, High-precision ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age of the gas emplacement into the Songliao Basin: Geology, 39: 451‒454, https://doi.org/10.1130/g31885.1.

• Qiu H.N.*, Wijbrans J.R., Brouwer F.M., Yun J.B., Zhao L.H. & Xu Y.G., 2010, Amphibolite facies retrograde metamorphism of the Zhujiachong eclogite, SE Dabieshan: ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar age constraints from argon extraction using UV-laser microprobe, in vacuo crushing and stepwise heating: Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 28: 477‒487, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1314.2010.00875.x.

• Yun J.B., Shi H.S., Zhu J.Z., Zhao L.H. & Qiu H.N.*, 2010, Dating petroleum emplacement by illite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar laser stepwise heating: AAPG Bulletin, 94: 759‒771, https://doi.org/10.1306/10210909102.

• Qiu H.N.* & Wijbrans J.R., 2008, The Paleozoic metamorphic history of the Central Orogenic Belt of China from⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar geochronology of eclogite garnet fluid inclusions: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 268: 501‒514, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2008.01.042.

• Qiu H.N.* & Jiang Y.D., 2007, Sphalerite ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar progressive crushing and stepwise heating techniques: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 256: 224‒232, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2007.01.028.

• Qiu H.N.* & Wijbrans J.R., 2006, Paleozoic ages and excess ⁴⁰Ar in garnets from the Bixiling eclogite in Dabieshan, China: New insights from ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating by stepwise crushing: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 70: 2354‒2370, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2005.11.030.

• 邱华宁 & 彭良, 1997, ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar年代学与流体包裹体定年: 合肥, 中国科学技术大学出版社, 242 p.

• Qiu H.N., 1996, ⁴⁰Ar–³⁹Ar dating of the quartz samples from two mineral deposits in western Yunnan (SW China) by crushing in vacuum: Chemical Geology, 127: 211‒222, https://doi.org/10.1016/0009-2541(95)00093-3.