As a Plasma Mass Spectrometry Technician within the BGS Geochronology and Tracers Facility, I perform isotopic analyses on various rock and mineral samples in order to date and better understand a range of geological and environmental processes. This primarily involves supporting NERC National Environmental Isotope Facility projects by utilising laser ablation ICP-MS to carry out U-Pb isotope analysis of zircon mineral grains. Prior to working at the BGS, I conducted a PhD at Imperial College London where my research focussed on Zn and Cd stable isotope analysis of meteorites and igneous rocks with the aim of better understanding how Earth obtained its volatile element budget.
Harvey Pickard’s Biography
- 2023 – ongoing : Plasma Mass Spectrometry Technician, BGS
- 2022 – 2023 : Stable Isotope Research Assistant, BGS
- 2017 – 2022 : PhD, Imperial College London
- 2013 – 2017 : MSci Geology, University of Bristol
Key papers
Pickard, H, Palk, E, Wood, B J, and Rehkämper, M. 2023. Cadmium isotope fractionation during metal-silicate partitioning–Results and implications for Earth’s volatile accretion. Chemical Geology 618, 121293
Pickard, H, Palk, E, Schönbächler, M, Moore, R E T, Coles, B J, Kreissig, K, Nilsson-Kerr, K, Hammond, S J, Takazawa, E, Hémond, C, Tropper, P, Barfod, D N, and Rehkämper, M. 2022. The cadmium and zinc isotope compositions of the silicate Earth–implications for terrestrial volatile accretion. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 338, 165–180
- LA-ICP-MS isotope geochemistry and U-Pb dating
- Zn and Cd stable isotope analysis by MC-ICP-MS
- C and O isotopes in carbonates and gas source mass spectrometry