Prof. Dr. Harry Becker
Geochemistry
Professor
TRR 170 Principal Investigator
Room B230, Building B
12249 Berlin
Research Interests
Evolution and differentiation processes in the Earth and other terrestrial planets.
More specifically:
- Early solar system evolution.
- Element fractionation and mass transfer processes between Earth’s crust and mantle.
- Evolution of the Precambrian surface system.
- Cooling histories and exhumation of high-grade and high-pressure metamorphic rocks.
Current Grants
2016 - 2023: Transregional Collaborative Research Center “Late Accretion onto Terrestrial Planets” (TRR 170/1, Spokesperson; TRR 170/2 Deputy Spokesperson, DFG).
2020 - 2022: SO 273 MARION RISE: Osmium isotope composition and platinum group element abundances of mantle rocks (BMBF).
Education
1994 Dr. rer nat. (Geochemistry, summa cum laude),
Geochemistry Division of the MaxPlanck-Institut für Chemie,
Mainz and Universität Mainz, Germany
Dissertation Title: Cooling History and Geochemistry of High-temperature Garnet
Peridotite Complexes From Lower Austria (Southern Bohemian Massif)
Advisor: Prof. Dr. A. W. Hofmann
1990 Diplom (Mineralogy) Universität Karlsruhe, Germany
Advisor: Prof. Dr. R. Altherr
Professional Experience
Since 2004 C4-University Professor (Geochemistry) and Head of the Geochemistry Group at
Instiute of Geological Sciences, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
2004 Visiting Scientist, Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston, TX, U.S.
2000-2004 Assistant Research Scientist, Department of Geology,
University of Maryland at College Park, MD, U.S.
1997-2000 Research Associate / Lab manager, Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory,
and Lecturer (1999-2000), Department of ,Geology,
University of Maryland at College Park, MD, U.S.
1995-1997 Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Terrestrial Magnetism,
Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, D.C., U.S.
1994-1995 Postdoctoral Fellow, Geochemistry Division,
Max-Planck-Institut für Chemie, Mainz, Germany
1990-1993 Graduate Research Fellow, Geochemistry Division, Max-Planck-Institut für
Chemie, Mainz, Germany
1987-1990 Research Assistant, Department for Petrography and Geochemistry, Universität
Karlsruhe, Germany
Professional Activities
Department Council (2007-2015)
Dean of Research (2007-2011)
Contributions to “Dynamische Erde – Zukunftsaufgaben der Geowissenschaften” (2010, Geokommission, DFG)
Chair Geochemistry Section of the Deutsche Mineralogische Gesellschaft (2009-2011)
Co-chair of the Meeting of the Deutsche Mineralogische Gesellschaft in Berlin (2008)
Guest Editor and Member of the Associate Editorial Board of Chemical Geology
Reviewer for various funding organizations (NSF, NASA, NERC, FWF, DFG) and journals
Chair and Convener at AGU Fall meetings and Goldschmidt conferences
Awards and Fellowships
2004 Lunar and Planetary Institute Visiting Scientist Fellowship
1995-1997 Research Fellowship of the German Research Foundation
1995 NATO Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
1994-1995 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship of the Max-Planck-Society
1990-1993 Graduate Research Fellowship of the Max-Planck-Society
1988-1989 Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes Fellowship
Courses Given
Since 2004 at FU Berlin:
- Earth 1 and 2 segments on Earth in the Solar System and on Earth Systems 2 h and 4 h/semester
- Early Evolution of the Earth (MSc, 8 students 3 h/week)
- Geochemistry of Radiogenic Isotopes (BSc, MSc, 6-30 students) 4 h/week
- Meteorites and evolution of the terrestrial planets (MSc, 5-10 students) 3 h/week
- Seminar & Field course (BSc/MSc 6-14 students) Block course 7-12 days
Alternating topics:
- Volcanology & magmatic processes (Eifel/Siebengebirge)
- Lower crust and upper mantle (Northern Italy)
- Ligurian ophiolites (Northern Italy)
- Mineral deposits in northern Germany
- Fundamentals of Geochemistry (BSc, about 70-90 students) 4 h/week
- Presentation Seminar (“Allgemeine Berufsvorbereitung” BSc, 20 students) 2008, 2010, 2012, 1-2 h/week
- The Earth 3 (Geochemistry) and 4 (Ore Deposits) BSc, 2004/2005
- Seminar Advances in Geochemistry (MSc, Doct.), 2 h/week, every semester
- Geochemistry, Hydrogeology & Mineralogy Joint Seminar (MSc, Doct.)
- Late Accretion onto Terrestrial Planets Seminar (every semester, since 2016)
1998-2003 at the University of Maryland, College Park:
- GEOL120 “Environmental Geology” (120 students), GEOL445 "Principles of Geochemistry" (10-20 students)
- Topical lectures and seminars GEOL489H BSc Honors Course
- Teaching assistant: GEOL212 "Planetary Geology", HONR279W "The Solar System", GEOL443 "Petrology of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks".
Students and Graduate Advising
FU Berlin:
Completed theses and thesis reviews:
Doctoral: Ulli Raschke (2017, with Museum f. Naturkunde), Chunhui Li (2016, now China University of Sciene and Technology, Hefei), Simon Hohl (2015, now University of Nanjing), Matthias Ebert (2014, with Museum f. Naturkunde), Yogita Kadlag (2014), Zaicong Wang (2014, now China University of Geosciences Wuhan), Susanne Schneider (2014, now Bergakademie Freiberg), Daniel Lieger (2011, with Museum f. Naturkunde), Mario Fischer-Gödde (2010, now U. Köln), David van Acken (2009, now at iCRAG Dublin), Maja Wegmann (2006).
M.Sc.: Clemens Ullmann, Marc Weynell, Andreas Ziegler (Chemistry); Steffen Herzlieb, Mathias Friebel, Frederike Wilckens, Angelika Tüngerthal, Nicole Weiske, Sebastian Kommescher, Marie Küssner. Eva Iden, Philipp Kühne.
B.Sc.: Caroline Meier, Marc Weynell, Corinna Wutzke, Hannes Jahnke, Kai Neldner, Michel Hoeltke, Franziska Schubring, Tanja Giebner, Franziska Mangels, Steffen Herzlieb, Sebastian Kommescher, Manuel Quiring, Danny Geißler, Oliver Jäger, Lukas Karal, Jasmin Bischoff, Danila Wezel, Ina Schaffrath, Valeria Einfalt, Roxana Rohne, Pascal Kruttasch, Saskia Weitkamp, Linus Streicher, Vivian Ruck.
Current:
Doctoral students: Dennis Vanderliek, Franziska Schmid
Univ. of Maryland (1997-2004):
Instruction of undergraduate and graduate students in rock processing, clean lab and mass spectrometry procedures (Allison Gale, Amitava Gangopadhyay, Amy Gelinas, Paul Hackley, Michael Hodgson, David Cook, Eric Sampson, Gary Solar, Jinmei Tian).
Other Doctoral or MSc. Committees and Thesis Reviews (External)
David Cook (M. Sc. 2001, UMd), Mark Frank (Ph.D. 2001, UMd), Amitava Gangopadhyay (Ph.D. 2004, UMd), Christian Siebert (Dr. rer. nat. 2006, FUB), Katrin Stephan (Dr. rer. nat. 2006, FUB), Lukas Ackerman (Ph.D. 2008, Charles University, Prague), Sandra Meisel (Dr. rer. nat. 2011, FUB), Claudia Meyer (Dr. rer. nat. 2012, FUB), Samia Gurmani (Dr. rer. nat. 2012, FUB), Georg Spiekermann (Dr. rer. nat. 2012, FUB), Audrey Bertrand (Dr. rer. nat. 2013, FUB), Thomas Grant (Dr. rer. nat. 2014, FUB), Ben Yang (Dr. rer. nat. 2014, FUB), Marcus Oelze (Dr. rer. nat. 2015, FUB), Thomas Haber (Ph.D., 2016, ANU), Xiaojuan Sun (Dr. rer. nat. 2016, FUB), Michael Tatzel (Dr. rer. nat. 2016, FUB), Astrid Kowitz (Dr. rer. nat. 2016, FUB), Prescillia Morino (PhD 2017, Universite de Lorraine, Nancy), Christopher Hamann (Dr. rer. nat. 2018, FUB)
Analytical and Methodical Expertise
Main focus: analytical methods and sample preparation in plasma source and thermal ionization mass spectrometry.
At Max Planck-Institut für Chemie, Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, University of Maryland, and Astromaterials Research Group, Johnson Space Center, Houston: Positive and negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry (MAT 261, VG 354, Sector 54, NBS 6, 9, 12, 15” instruments), single and multi collector plasma mass spectrometry (Nu Plasma, Element 2), and the relevant element separation techniques such as ion exchange and solvent extraction (Rb-Sr, 147Sm-143Nd, U-Th-Pb, Re-Os, Pt-Os, Ru, Mo and W isotope systems, isotope dilution techniques for platinum group elements, Ba, K, Cs)
Since 2005 our group at FUB has set up the following techniques [1] 142Nd measurements in terrestrial rocks and in chondrites with the FUB TRITON TIMS, Sm isotopes in chondrites (Drs. K. Rankenburg and K. Hammerschmidt), [2] Li and Mg separation for stable isotope studies, Li isotope measurements on the Element XR single-collector ICP-MS at FUB, Mg isotope measurements in collaboration with R. Romer at GFZ-Potsdam (Dr. U. Wiechert), [3] Rb-Sr microgeochronology of drilled mica grains (K. Hammerschmidt), [4] Ba and Sr isotopic variation in primitive meteorites (Dr. F. Wombacher, K. Hammerschmidt). [5] determination of abundances of monoisotopic Rh and Au, other PGE and 187Os/188Os in the same sample aliquot at low and high abundances in crustal and mantle materials, meteorites and lunar rocks (Dr. M. Fischer-Gödde), [6] determination of abundances of chalcophile elements (S, Se, Te) in crustal and mantle materials and in meteorites by isotope dilution (A. Ziegler, F. Wombacher, T. Gawronski, Z. Wang), [7] Re-Os geochronology of black shales and sulfides from ore deposits (B. Zhu, T. Gawronski), [8] REE and other trace elements in mantle rocks and marine carbonates (F. Wombacher, M. Fischer-Gödde, W. Bäro, S. Hohl), [9] Major cation composition of dissolved and suspended load in river water by ICP-MS (C. Ullmann), [10] Multi element techniques to determine the composition of metal, sulphides and phosphides from iron meteorites by ICP-MS (C. Meyer, F. Wombacher).
Field Experience
Europe (Bohemian Massif, Black Forest, Vosges, Münchberg Gneiss Massif, Swiss and Italian Alps, central Spain)
the U.S. (Maine and New Mexico) and China (Yangtze Platform).
Past and Present external Collaborators
A. Brandon (U. Houston), J. Brenan (U. Toronto), G. Brey (U. Frankfurt), M. Brown (UMD), R.
Carlson (DTM/CIW, Postdoc advisor), C. Dalpe (RCMP, Ottawa), M. Dorais (Brigham Young
U.), B. Ellwood (LSU), G. Franz (TU Berlin), D. Frost (BGI Bayreuth), Q. Guo (Beijing); J.
Grossman (USGS, Reston), S. Gao (Wuhan, China), K. Haase (U. Erlangen), M. Horan
(DTM/CIW), S. Jiang (Nanjing), K. P. Jochum (MPI Mainz), E. Krogstad (Copenhagen), J. P.
Lorand (MNH, Paris), G. MacPherson (Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC), W.
McDonough (UMD), T. Meisel (Leoben), J. Morgan (retired), R. Romer (GFZ), R. Rudnick
(UMD), S. Shirey (DTM/CIW), P. Tomascak (SUNY Oswego), Riccardo Tribuzio (U. Pavia), T.
Waight (Copenhagen), R. Walker (UMD, Postdoc advisor), T. Wenzel (U. Tübingen), R. Wiebe
(Franklin & Marshall College).
Grants
2016:
Funding for a Transregional Collaborative Research Center “Late Accretion onto Terrestrial Planets” (TRR 170/1) Speaker, DFG Subproject A01 “Chronometric investigations of ancient lunar impact rocks” PI w. E. Scherer
- Subproject A03 “Ancient bombardment of the inner solar system – Reinvestigation of the “fingerprints” of different impactor populations” PI (replacement for T. Kneissl)
- Subproject B01 “Origin of fractionations of highly siderophile and siderophile volatile elements in lunar rocks and in the Earth” PI
- Subproject B02 “Stable isotope fractionation of S, Te and Pd and the roles of core formation and late accretion on siderophile volatile elements in the Earth” PI w. T. Kleine, S. Klemme
- Subproject MGK „Integrated Research Training Group Planetary Sciences“ PI
- Subproject Z “Coordination Project” PI
Travel funds for key note speakers. 79. Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society in Berlin (14. 08. – 17. 08. 2016) PI, DFG
2013-2015
- Origin of the depletion of siderophile volatile elements in Earth, Mars and the aubrite parent body PI, DFG
- Re-Os geochronology and abundances of highly siderophile elements in ancient lunar impact rocks PI, DFG
2014-2015
- Cr iotope variations in components of chondrites PI, DFG-SPP 1385
2012-2013
- Highly siderophile element abundances in components of chondrites PI, DFG-SPP 1385
2011-2014:
- Sr, Nd and Li isotopes in carbonates of the Yangtze Platform and from Kazakhstan as tracers for the Ediacaran and Cambrian weathering history. PI Subproject of DFG-Forschergruppe “The Precambrian-Cambrian Biosphere (R)evolution: Insights from Chinese Microcontinents” (DFG-FOR 736/2)
2011-2012:
- Fractionation of highly siderophile elements in the lower oceanic crust. PI, DFG-SPP 527 (IODP/ODP Infrastructure).
2010-2013:
- Highly siderophile element geochemistry of mantle pyroxenites. PI, DFG
2010-2011:
- Abundances and distribution of volatile trace elements in chondritic meteorites and their components. Co-PI with F. Wombacher (PI) and A. Bischoff. DFG-SPP 1385 “The first 10 million years of the solar system”
2008:
- Highly Siderophile Elements as Tracers for Late Accretion. PI. DFG grant extension.
2007:
- Travel funds for key note speakers. Antrag auf Reisekostenzuschüsse für ausländische Gastredner im Rahmen der 86. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Mineralogischen Gesellschaft in Berlin (14. 09. – 17. 09. 2008) PI, DFG
2007-2010:
- U-Th-Pb Geochronology of Sediments from the Precambrian-Cambrian Transition, Yangtze Platform, China. PI Subproject of DFG-Forschergruppe “The Precambrian-Cambrian Biosphere (R)evolution: Insights from Chinese Microcontinents” (DFG-FOR 736/1)
2005-2006:
- Highly Siderophile Elements as Tracers for Late Accretion. PI, Subproject of DFG-SPP 1115 “Mars and the Terrestrial Planets”
2005:
- HBFG: Acquisition of a high-resolution ICP mass spectrometer, Institut für Geologische Wissenschaften, Freie Universität Berlin. PI, DFG-peer reviewed.
- HBFG: Acquisition of a thermal ionization mass spectrometer, Institut für Geologische Wissenschaften, Freie Universität Berlin. PI, DFG-peer reviewed.
2004:
- Tungsten-182 as Tracer for Core-Mantle Interaction in the Earth. PI, USRA-Lunar and Planetary Institute, Subcontract 7/112003.
2003-2005:
- Melt influx and the effects on Os-Sr-Nd isotopic systems and platinum group elements in Jurassic oceanic mantle (Totalp massif, Swiss Alps). PI, NSF-EAR.
2002-2004:
- Collaborative Research: Constraining the highly siderophile element composition of the late veneer. Co-PI with R. J. Walker and M. F. Horan, NSF-EAR.
2001-2002:
- Alteration or mantle origin of radiogenic osmium in pyroxenites and peridotites from Jurassic oceanic crust (Totalp Massif, Swiss Alps). PI, NSF-EAR.
2000-2001:
- A Rhenium-Osmium study of alkaline basalts from Vesteris Seamount and the Jan Mayen area in the North Atlantic. Co-PI with R. J. Walker, NSF-OCE.
Outreach
2016: Outreach event on Impact Processes in the Solar System "Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften Berlin-Potsdam"
2008, 2010, 2011: Heavy metal contamination of tap water? - Interactive demonstration in the ICP-MS lab "Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften Berlin-Potsdam"
2006, 2007: From rock sample to U-Pb age: how the age of a rock is determined - Interactive demonstration "Lange Nacht der WissenschaftenBerlin-Potsdam"
2010: Chemical classification of new iron meteorite finds from collectors, using techniques applied in our lab.
2008: Donation of samples for the new Earth Science exhibition of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin
Editorial and Reviewing Activities for Journals
Since 2001: Associate Editorial Board of Chemical Geology
1999: Guest-Editor for Special Volume of Chemical Geology 'Interactions between slab and
sub arc mantle: dehydration, melting and element transport in subduction zones'.
2017: Guest-Editor for Special Issue of Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta: Highly Siderophile
Element Constraints on Earth and Planetary Processes
Reviews for international journals:
American Mineralogist, Canadian Mineralogist, Chemical Geology, Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Elements, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Geological Society of London Special Publications, Geologische Rundschau, Geology, Geophysical Research Letters, Journal of Metamorphic Geology, Journal of Petrology, Lithos, Nature, Science, Tectonophysics.
Reviewing and Consulting for Other Organizations
1995-present: reviews of research proposals for the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Petrology & Geochemistry, Tectonics, Ocean Sciences and Instrumentation and Facilities Programs of the National Science Foundation, the NASA Cosmochemistry Program, the National Environment Research Council (UK), KAW (Sweden) and the Austrian Science Fund.
Judging of student papers presented at AGU meetings.
2009/2010: Contributions to “Dynamische Erde – Zukunftsaufgaben der Geowissenschaften”
Strategieschrift der Geokommission der DFG
(www.geokommission.de/Dynamische_Erde.html).
2008: Evaluation committee of the Earth Sciences unit at Universität Münster, Reviewer
for Mineralogy-Geochemistry
Chairing, Convening and Organizing Conferences, Workshops, Schools
2018 Organization of Summer School “Origin of the Earth-Moon System”
(Burg Reichenstein, Germany)
2016 Organization of Winter School in Planetary
Geodynamics (Hodenhagen, Germany)
Co-chair, local and scientific organizing committee of the Annual Meeting of the
Meteoritical Society at Freie Universität Berlin.
2012: Convenor and chair for Symposium ‘Tracing the evolution of the silicate Earth
using siderophile and chalcophile elements', Goldschmidt Conference 2012.
2010: Chair of Symposium ‘Geochemistry of Chalcophile and Siderophile Elements'
11th International Platinum Symposium, Sudbury.
Organization of the Geochemistry Section Meeting of the Deutsche Mineralogische
Gesellschaft at the Freie UniversitätBerlin.
2008: Conference Chair (w. R. Abart) 86th Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration of
the Deutsche Mineralogische Gesellschaft at the Freie UniversitätBerlin
2007: Convenor and chair for Symposium ‘Limits on Precision, Accuracy and Detection:
New Advances in Isotope and Trace Element Geochemistry',
Goldschmidt Conference 2007.
2001: Session chair for Special Session ‘Trench to Subarc: Diagenetic and Metamorphic'
Mass Flux in Subduction Zones', AGU Fall Meeting 2001.
2000: Session convener and chair for Special Session 'Recent advances in
Re-Os geochemistry', AGU Spring Meeting 2000.
1998: Chair for Session V32B 'Basement Rocks and Their Intrusives', AGU Fall Meeting.
Chair for Symposium V51B 'P-T evolution of crustal rocks', AGU Spring Meeting.
1997: Session convener and chair for Symposium V51B 'Material Transport During Dehydration
and Melting of Slabs and Metasomatism in the Subarc Mantle', AGU Fall Meeting.
Coordinated Research Programs and Platforms
2016-2019 Speaker CRC-TRR 170 Late Accretion onto Terrestrial Planets (DFG)
2008-2011: Steering Committee of the Geo-X information and coordination platform of Berlin
Potsdam Earth Science institutions (www.geo-x.net)
2007: Scientific Committee DFG SPP "The first 10 Million Years of the Solar
System, a Planetary Materials Approach" (SPP 1385)
University Committees and Service
2017-2019 Substitute member of the Extended Academic Senate of Freie Universität Berlin
2012-2018 Vice-chair of examinations committee, Admission of MSc applicants
2007-2011 Dean of Research (Prodekan für Forschung), responsible for matters of research
and graduate education (doctoral studies, admission and degrees) in the
Department of Earth Sciences. In charge of strategic planning (2010) and
preparation and organization of the department evaluation in 2009.
2017-2019 Department council (Fachbereichsrat)
2011-2012
2005-2009
2005-2018 B.Sc/M.Sc curriculum committee (Studienkommission), development of new BSc
and MSc curricula
2005-2018 Various search and habilitation committees
Professional Societies
American GeophysicalUnion, Deutsche Mineralogische Gesellschaft, Geochemical Society
Geological Society of America, Meteoritical Society.
2009-2010: Geochemistry Section Chair, Deutsche Mineralogische Gesellschaft
Publications
Wang, Z., Cheng,H., Zong K., Geng, X., Liu Y., Yang, J., Wu F., Becker, H., Foley, S., Wang C. Y. (2020): Metasomatized lithospheric mantle for Mesozoic giant gold deposits in the North China craton,Geology ; 48 (2): 169–173. DOI https://doi.org/10.1130/G46662.1.
Archer, G.J., Brennecka, G.A., Gleißner, P., Stracke, A., Becker, H., Kleine, T. (2019) Lack of late-accreted material as the origin of 182W excesses in the Archean mantle: Evidence from the Pilbara Craton, Western Australia. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 528, 115841. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.115841.
Chen, C., Dai, W., Wang, Z., Liu, Y., Li, M., Becker, H., Foley, S. F. (2019): Calcium isotope fractionation during magmatic processes in the upper mantle. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2019.01.031.
Gleißner, P. and H. Becker (2019): Origin of lunar fragmental matrix breccias - Highly siderophile element constraints. Meteoritics & Planetary Science, Vol. 1, pp. 21. DOI 10.1111/maps.13363.
Kadlag, Y., Becker, H. and Harbott, A. (2019): Cr isotopes in physically separated components of the Allende CV3 and Murchison CM2 chondrites: Implications for isotopic heterogeneity in the solar nebula and parent body processes. Meteorit Planet Sci, 54: 2116-2131. DOI 10.1111/maps.13375.
Kadlag, Y., Tatzel, M., Daniel, A., Becker, H. (2019): The origin of unequilibrated EH Frick chondrites – Constraints from in situ analysis of Si isotopes, major and trace elements in silicates and metal, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2019.09.010.
Mari, N., Riches, A.J.V., Hallis, L.J., Marrocchi, Y., Villeneuve, J., Gleissner, P., Becker, H., Lee, M.R. (2019): Syneruptive incorporation of martian surface Sulphur in the nakhlite lava flows revealed by S and Os isotopes and highly siderophile elements: implication for mantle sources in Mars. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 266, 416-434. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2019.05.025.
Zhu, M., Artemieva, N., Morbidelli, A., Yin, Q.-Z., Becker, H., Wünnemann, K. (2019): Reconstructing the late-accretion history of the Moon. Nature 571, 226–229. DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1359-0.
Zou, Z., Wang, Z., Li, M., Becker, H., Geng, X., Hu, Z., & Lazarov, M. (2019): Copper isotope variations during magmatic migration in the mantle: Insights from mantle pyroxenites in Balmuccia peridotite massif. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth,124, 11130– 11149. DOI https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JB017990.
Van de Löcht, J., Hoffmann, J. E., Li, C., Wang, Z., Becker, H., Rosing, M. T., Kleinschrodt, R. and Münker, C. (2018) Earth’s oldest mantle peridotites show entire record of late accretion. Geology 46, 199-202.
Wang, Z., Lazarov, M., Steinmann, L. K., Becker, H., Zou, Z., Geng, X. (2018) The distribution of lead and thallium in mantle rocks: Insights from the Balmuccia peridotite massif (Italian Alps). American Mineralogist 103 (8), 1185-1199. DOI: 10.2138/am-2018-6423
Wang, Z., Liu, Y., Becker, H., Hoffmann, E., Chen, C., Zou, Z., Li, Y. (2018) Constant Cu/Ag in upper mantle and oceanic crust: Implications for the role of cumulates during the formation of continental crust. Earth and Planetary Science Letters DOI: 10.1016/j.epsl.2018.04.008
Gleißner, P. and Becker, H. (2017) Formation of Apollo 16 impactites and the composition of late accreted material: Constraints from Os isotopes, highly siderophile elements and sulfur abundances. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 200, 1-24.
Hohl, S. V., Becker, H., Jiang, S.-J., Ling, H-F., Guo, Q. Struck, U. (2017) Geochemistry of Ediacaran cap dolostones across the Yangtze Platform, South China: implications for diagenetic modification and seawater chemistry in the aftermath of the Marinoan glaciation. Journal of the Geological Society, https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2016-145.
Hohl, S. V., Galer, S. J. G., Gamper, A. , H. Becker, H. (2017) Cadmium isotope variations in Neoproterozoic carbonates – A tracer of biologic production? Geochemical Perspectives 3, doi: 10.7185/geochemlet.1704.
Kadlag, Y., Becker, H. (2017). Origin of highly siderophile and chalcogen element fractionations in the components of unequilibrated H and LL chondrites. Geochemistry (Chemie der Erde) 77, 105-119.
Wang, Z., Becker, H. (2017a) Chalcophile elements in Martian meteorites indicate low sulfur content in the Martian interior and a volatile element-depleted late veneer. Earth and Planetary Science Letters. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2017.01.023.
Wang, Z., Becker, H. (2017b) Silver contents and Cu/Ag ratios in Martian meteorites and the implications for planetary differentiation. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 216, 96-114.
Becker, H., Dale. C. W. (2016) Re–Pt–Os Isotopic and Highly Siderophile Element Behavior in Oceanic and Continental Mantle Tectonites. In “Highly Siderophile and Strongly Chalcophile Elements” Reviews in Mineralogy & Geochemistry Vol. 81 (Eds. Harvey, J., Day, J.M.D.) Chapter 7, 369-440.
Jochum, K. P., Wilson, S. A., Becker, H., Garbe-Schönberg, D., Groschopf , N., Kadlag , Y., Macholdt, D. S., Mertz-Kraus , R., Otter , L. M., Stoll, B., Stracke , A., Weis, U., Haug, G. H., Andreae, M. O. (2016) FeMnOx-1: A new microanalytical reference material for the investigation of Mn–Fe rich geological samples. Chemical Geology 432, 34-40.
Kadlag, Y., Becker, H. (2016a) 187Re-187Os systematics, highly siderophile element and S-Se-Te abundances in the components of unequilibrated L chondrites. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 225–246.
Kadlag, Y., Becker, H. (2016b) Highly siderophile and chalcogen element constraints on the origin of components of the Allende and Murchison meteorites. Meteoritics and Planetary Sciences, doi: 10.1111/maps.12653.
Wang, Z., Laurenz, V., Petitgirard, S., Becker, H. (2016) Earth’s moderately volatile element composition may not be chondritic: Evidence from In, Cd and Zn. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 435:136-146.
Hohl, S.V., Becker, H., Gamper, A., Jiang, S.-Y.,Wiechert, U., Yang, J.-Y., Wei, H.Z. (2015a). Secular changes of water chemistry in shallow-water Ediacaran ocean: Evidence from carbonates at Xiaofenghe, Three Gorges area, Yangtze Platform, South China. Precambrian Research, 270, 50–79.
Hohl, S.V., Becker, H., Herzlieb, S., Guo, Q. (2015b) Multiproxy constraints on alteration and primary compositions of Ediacaran deep-water carbonate rocks, Yangtze Platform, South China. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 163, 262–278.
Kadlag, Y., Becker, H. (2015) Fractionation of highly siderophile and chalcogen elements in components of EH3 chondrites. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 161, 166-187.
Wang, Z., Becker, H. (2015a) Abundances of Ag and Cu in mantle peridotites and the implications for the behavior of chalcophile elements in the mantle. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 160, 209-226.
Wang, Z., Becker, H., (2015b). Comment on “A non-primitive origin of near-chondritic S-Se-Te ratios in mantle peridotites: Implications for the Earth's late accretionary history” by König S. et al. [Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 385 (2014) 110–121]. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 417, 164-166.
Wang, Z., Becker, H., (2015c). Fractionation of highly siderophile and chalcogen elements during magma transport in the mantle: Constraints from pyroxenites of the Balmuccia peridotite massif. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 159, 244-263.
Wang, Z., Becker, H., Wombacher, F. (2015). Mass Fractions of S, Cu, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Te, Ba, Sm, W, Tl and Bi in Geological Reference Materials and Selected Carbonaceous Chondrites Determined by Isotope Dilution ICP-MS. Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research 39, 185-208.
Peters, S. T. M., Münker C., Becker, H., Schulz, T. (2015) Comment on “Cosmogenic 180W Variations in Meteorites and Re-assessment of a Possible 184Os-180W Decay System” by Cook, D.L., Kruijer, T., Leya, I., Kleine, T. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 169, 236-239.
Wang, Z., Becker, H. (2014) Abundances of sulphur, selenium, tellurium, rhenium and platinum group elements in eighteen reference materials by isotope dilution sector-field ICP-MS and negative TIMS. Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, 38, doi: 10.1111/j.1751-908X.2013.00258.x.
Peters, S. T. M., Münker C., Becker, H., Schulz, T. (2013) Alpha-decay of 184Os revealed by radiogenic 180W in meteorites: Halflife determination and viability as geochronometer. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 391, 69-76.
Wang, Z., Becker, H. Abundances of sulphur, selenium, tellurium, rhenium and platinum group elements in eighteen reference materials by isotope dilution sector-field ICP-MS and negative TIMS. Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research, in press.
Wang, Z., Becker, H. (2013) Ratios of S, Se and Te in the silicate Earth require a volatile-rich late veneer. Nature, 499, 328-332.
Wang, Z., Becker, H., Gawronski, T. (2013) Partial re-equilibration of highly siderophile elements and the chalcogens in the mantle: A case study on the Baldissero and Balmuccia peridotite massifs (Ivrea Zone, Italian Alps). Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 108, 21–44.
Zhu, B., Becker, H., Jiang, S.-Y., Pi, D.-H., Fischer-Gödde, M., Yang, J.-H. (2013) Re-Os geochronology of black shales from the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation, Yangtze platform, South China. Precambrian Research, 225, 67-76.
Mann, U., Frost, D. J., Rubie, D. C., Becker, H., Audetat, A. (2012) Partitioning of Ru, Rh, Pd, Re, Ir and Pt between liquid metal and silicate at high pressures and high temperatures - Implications for the origin of highly siderophile element concentrations in the Earth’s mantle. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 84, 593-613.
Gleissner, P., Drüppel, K., Becker, H. (2012) Osmium isotopes and highly siderophile element fractionation in the massif-type anorthosites of the Mesoproterozoic Kunene Intrusive Complex, NW Namibia. Chemical Geology, 302-303, 33-47.
Fischer-Gödde, M., Becker, H. (2012) Osmium isotope and highly siderophile element constraints on ages and nature of meteoritic components in ancient lunar impact rocks. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 77, 135-156.
Fischer-Gödde, M., Becker, H., Wombacher, F. (2011) Rhodium, gold and other highly siderophile elements in orogenic peridotites and peridotite xenoliths. Chemical Geology 280, 365-383.
Fischer-Gödde, M., Becker, H., Wombacher, F. (2010) Rhodium, gold and other highly siderophile element abundances in chondritic meteorites. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 74, 356-379.
van Acken, D., Becker, H., Hammerschmidt, K. Walker, R. J., Wombacher, F. (2010) Highly siderophile elements and Sr-Nd isotopes in refertilized mantle peridotites - a case study from the Totalp ultramafic body, Swiss Alps. Chemical Geology 276, 257-268.
van Acken, D., Becker, H., Walker, R. J., McDonough, W. F., Wombacher, F., Ash, R. D., Piccoli, P. M. (2010) Formation of pyroxenite layers in the Totalp ultramafic massif (Swiss Alps) – insights from highly siderophile elements and Os isotopes. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 74, 2674–2691.
van Acken, D., Becker, H., Walker, R. J. (2008) Refertilization of Jurassic oceanic peridotites from the Tethys Ocean – implications for the Re-Os systematics of the upper mantle. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 268, 171-181.
Becker, H., Horan, M. F., Walker, R. J., Lorand, J.-P., Gao, S., Rudnick, R.L. (2006) Highly siderophile element composition of the Earth’s primitive upper mantle: Constraints from new data on peridotite massifs and xenoliths. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 70, 4528-4550.
Tomascak, P. B., Brown, M., Solar, G. S., Becker, H., Centorbi, T. L., and Tian, J. (2005) Geochemistry of Acadian Granites: Source Contributions to Magmatism Near the Laurentian Border, New Hampshire and Western Maine, USA. Lithos 80, 75-99.
Becker, H., Carlson, R. W. and Shirey, S. B. (2004) Slab-derived osmium and isotopic disequilibrium in garnet pyroxenites from a Paleozoic convergent plate margin (lower Austria. Chemical Geology 208, 141-156.
McDaniel, D. K., Walker, R. J., Hemming, S. R., Horan, M. F., Becker, H., and Grauch, R. I. (2004) S Sources of Osmium to the Modern Oceans: New Evidence from the 190Pt-186Os System. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 68, 1243-1252.
Becker, H. and Walker, R. J. (2003) Efficient mixing of the solar nebula from uniform Mo isotopic composition of meteorites. Nature 425, 152-155.
Becker, H., and Walker, R. J. (2003) In search of extant Tc in the early solar system: 98Ru and 99Ru abundances in iron meteorites and chondrites. Chemical Geology 196, 43-56.
Brandon, A. D., Walker, R. J., Puchtel, I., Becker, H., Humayun, M., and Revillon, S. (2003) 186Os-187Os Systematics of Gorgona Island Komatiites: Implications for Early Growth of the Inner Core. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 206, 411-426.
Walker, R. J., Horan, M. F., Morgan, J. W., Becker, H. and Grossman, J. N. (2002) Comparative 187Re-187Os systematics of chondrites: implications regarding early solar system processes. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 66, 4187-4201.
Becker, H., Dalpe, C. and Walker, R. J. (2002) High-precision Ru isotopic measurements by multi collector ICP-MS. The Analyst 127, 775-780.
Dorais, M. J., Wintsch, R. P., and Becker, H. (2001) The Massabesic gneiss complex, New Hampshire: A study of a portion of the Avalon terrane. American Journal of Science 301, 657-682.
Becker, H., Walker, R. J., MacPherson, G. J., Morgan, J. W. and Grossman, J. N. (2001) Rhenium-osmium systematics of calcium-aluminium-rich inclusions in carbonaceous chondrites. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 65, 3379-3390.
Becker, H., Shirey, S. B., and Carlson, R. W. (2001) Effects of melt percolation on the Re-Os systematics of peridotites from a Paleozoic convergent plate margin. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 188, 107-121.
Becker, H. (2000) Re-Os fractionation in eclogites and blueschists and the implications for recycling of oceanic crust into the mantle. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 177, 287-300.
Becker, H., Jochum, K. P. and Carlson, R. W. (2000) Trace element fractionation during the dehydration of eclogites from high-pressure terranes and the implications for element fluxes in subduction zones. Chemical Geology , 163, 65-99.
Becker, H., Jochum, K. P. and Carlson, R. W. (1999) Constraints from high-pressure veins in eclogites on the composition of hydrous fluids in subduction zones. Chemical Geology 160, 291-308.
Brandon, A. D., Becker, H., Carlson, R. W., and Shirey, S. B. (1999) Isotopic constraints on time scales and mechanisms of slab material transport in the mantle wedge: Evidence from the Simcoe mantle xenoliths, Washington, USA. Chemical Geology , 160, 387-408. Draper, D. S., Brandon, A. D., Becker, H. (1999) Interactions between slab and sub-arc mantle: Dehydration, melting and element transport in subduction zones. Chemical Geology 160, 251-253.
Becker, H., Wenzel, T. and Volker, F. (1999) Geochemistry of Glimmerite Veins in Peridotites from Lower Austria - Implications for the Origin of K-rich Magmas in Collision Zones, Journal of Petrology 40, 315-338.
Becker, H. (1997) Petrological constraints on the cooling history of high-temperature garnet peridotite massifs in lower Austria, Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology 128, 272-286.
Becker, H. (1997) Sm-Nd garnet ages and cooling history of high-temperature garnet peridotites and high-pressure granulites from lower Austria, Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology 127, 224-236.
Becker, H. (1996) Geochemistry of garnet peridotite massifs from lower Austria and the composition of deep lithosphere beneath a Paleozoic convergent plate margin, Chemical Geology 134, 49-65.
Becker, H. (1996) Crustal trace element and isotope signatures in garnet pyroxenites and megacrysts from garnet peridotite massifs from lower Austria, Journal of Petrology 37, 785810.
Becker, H. (1993) Garnet peridotite and eclogite Sm-Nd mineral ages from the Lepontine dome (Swiss Alps): new evidence for Eocene high-pressure metamorphism in the central Alps, Geology 21, 599-602.
Becker, H. and Altherr, R. (1992) Evidence from ultra-high-pressure marbles for recycling of sediments into the mantle. Nature 358, 745-748.
Published Books
One of many co-authors of “Dynamische Erde – Zukunftsaufgaben der Geowissenschaften” G. Wefer (Ed.) Strategieschrift der Geokommission der DFG, 367 pp.
Unpublished Thesis Work
Becker, H. (1994), Cooling history and Geochemistry of High-temperature Garnet Peridotite Complexes From Lower Austria (Southern Bohemian Massif). Unpublished doctoral thesis, Universität Mainz, 221 pp.
Becker, H. (1990), P-T-Geschichte von Granuliten, Granat-Pyroxeniten und Mantelperidotiten der Gföhler Einheit im Moldanubikum des Niederösterreichischen Waldviertels. Unpublished Diplomarbeit, Universität Karlsruhe, 273 pp.