Synchrotron X-ray radiation and the African earth sciences: A critical review

摘要: Abstract Synchrotron-based X-ray analytical techniques are gaining in prominence as a crucial yet highly specialized tool for advancing knowledge within the broad field of Earth Sciences. In terms global scientific competitiveness, African scientists somewhat disadvantaged by not having access to their own synchrotron on continent. However, there currently exists strong drive towards obtaining facility continent and purpose this critical timeous review is thus highlight importance such equipment local earth science community (e.g., geologists, geochemists palaeontologists). Our shows that various high-level spectroscopies have been successfully applied samples outputs these studies measurable societal benefit improved understanding fundamental processes (including molecular level controls climate cycles), characterization important economic ore commodities drill core samples), fate mobility deleterious elements surface environment (e.g. soils waterways). Similarly, high phase contrast rapid acquisition capabilities computed tomography (sXCT) added insights into wealth derived from Africa's fossil inventory (>350 specimens). Not only advance our all ancient life forms, shedding light origins, they contributed training next generation palaeontologists dissemination Africa. It foreseen will stimulate further use technologies whilst concomitantly developing case considering incorporating needs sciences when time comes develop an (i.e., Lightsource).