During September 20th to September 30th, 2016, invited by Sune Nielsen, from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in Massachusetts, USA, we carried out an 11-day long academic communication program. The main work is as follows:

1) Discussion about the application of isotopes inseafloor hydrothermal activities and its products research

The application of isotopes in seafloor hydrothermal activities and its products was discussed in detail with Sune Nielsen. Isotope is an effective tool for studying on the source of hydrothermal products. The isotopic research on hydrothermal products helps to reveal material cycles of hydrothermal system and trace the source of hydrothermal products, conducive to enhance the understanding of seafloor hydrothermal processes and dynamic evolution in the interior of the earth.

2) Learning the methods of digestion of geological samples, purification of elements by ion exchange chromatography, and practice in the lab

We visited the isotopic research and application lab in WHOI, discussing with the staff on digestion of geological samples, purification of elements, on-machine operation and other issues. We learned the methods of digestion of geological samples by HF-HNO3-HCl, separation and purification of elements by ion exchange chromatography.