Molybdenum isotopic composition (⁹⁸Mo/⁹⁵Mo) provides important clues to paleoenvironmental changes of the Earthʼs oceans and atmosphere throughout the geological history. Previous studies were predominantly focused on black shales which reflected the degree of atmosphere oxygenation. Nevertheless, the new study published in the Scientific Reports journal (link here), also contributed by the Institute of Geology CAS, revealed that even ancient rocks (~2.1 Ga Mn ores from Brazil), which underwent high degrees of metamorphism (> 600 °C) retain Mo isotopic signal. Thus, these data argue for the presence of oxic–anoxic-stratified Palaeoproterozoic oceans. This is the first contribution since the new Mo isotopic methodology has been established in the joint laboratory of the Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences and Czech Geological Survey.

Simona Krmíčková, a PhD student employed with the Department of Geological Processes, has been awarded the Brno PhD Talent scholarship. In her dissertation, Simona Krmíčková focuses on the Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf radiogenic isotope study of magmatic rocks from the broader surroundings of Brno. On 28th February 2019, she received a symbolic cheque for CZK 300,000 from the hands of Markéta Vaňková, the mayor of the statutory city of Brno.

Dr. Tomáš Kohout, working for University of Helsinki and the Institute of Geology CAS is cooperating in the APEX nanosatellite project, which is a part of the Hera mission of the European Space Agency to be launched in 2023. Dr. Kohout is involved in the preparation of scientific observations and autonomous navigation. For additional info click here.

Prof. Ing. Zdeněk Vašíček, DrSc. of the Institute of Geonics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i. was awarded the František Pošepný honorary professional medal for his achievements in the field of geosciences on December 12, 2018. This award was nominated by the Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i. Congratulations!