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Research Facililties

The Department of Geological Sciences has a broad range of facilities accessible for graduate research. The major in-house facilities include the following:
 

Aqueous geochemistry laboratory
The lab currently houses a coulometric titration system with acid-extraction and total-combustion modules for determinations of total organic and inorganic C, two automated titration systems, two extraction lines for the analysis of reduced S (concentrations and isotopic compositions), a UV-visible spectrophotometer, an ion chromatograph and a Millipore water system.  The lab is licensed and contains all the necessary sample preparation equipment for ³⁵S radiotracer work. The required liquid scintillation counters are available on campus.  In addition to graduate and postdoctoral researchers, one to three undergraduate assistants typically staff the lab.

Through combined funds from NSF and MU, an inductively coupled plasma­optical emission spectrometer (ICP) was recently purchased for the geochemistry laboratory.  This instrumentóa high-end, dual-view ICP with a state-of-the-art, solid-state detectoróis also equipped with an ultrasonic nebulizer, a direct-injection nebulizer and an automated sample pre-concentrator / matrix-eliminator.  This combination of instrumentation optimizes the capabilities of the ICP, permitting the analysis of samples of extremely small size and with complex matrices.  Most importantly, detection limits are in the low ppb range for most elements.  This instrument is maintained by a 1/2-time technician with over a decade of ICP experience.

Extensive network of Macintosh, IBM and SUN workstations and computers
Ancillary printing, scanning and digitizing capabilities are available in addition to standard word, data and graphic-processing software and specialized software tailored to computation requirements of individual research groups.

Fluid Inclusion microthermometry laboratory
The lab features a newly acquired Linkham THMSG 600 computer-controlled heating-freezing stage on a modified Olympus BX51 microscope. We also have a Fluid INC gas-flow stage for analysis of fluid inclusions from-198° to +700°C, including CCTV monitoring and recording of fluid inclusionphase equilibria.

Geology branch of the MU library system
The collection includes 38,500 books, 320 periodicals and 100,000 maps and charts. Computerized GeoRef and Water Resources Abstract search systems and software for reading of digital maps are also housed in the library.

Geomicrobiology Laboratory
The lab has the capability to (1) culture and grow anaerobic bacteria, especially iron-reducing bacteria, sulfate-reducing bacteria and methanogens and (2) analyze bacterial abundance and activities. Equipment includes: (1) a Coy chamber (N2/H2 atmosphere) for enrichment of anaerobic microorganisms, (2) a gassing station for preparing anaerobic medium, (3) a Zeiss microscope with phase contrast and epifluorescence capabilities, (4) a 5-L New Brunswick fermentor purchased in 1999 for controlled biogeochemical studies, (5) several incubators and water baths, (6) a laminar flow hood for microbial analysis and (7) a portable autoclave.

Geophysical equipment
A 12-channel seismic recorder, a proton-processing magnetometer and a resistivity meterare included.
Networked UNIX, PC, and Macintosh computers.

Leitz petrography/photometer system
This system is used to analyze organic matter and vitrinite reflectance and has capabilities for computer-controlled measurements of rotational anisotropy.

Organic Geochemistry Lab
Carlo Erba elemental analyzer and gas chromatograph. The elemental analyzer is equipped for both on- and off-line preparation of samples for isotopic analysis.
 

Scanning Electon Microscope Laboratory
This facility contains an analytical-grade electron microscope (AMRAY-1600T).  The 1600T incorporates digital imaging and x-ray microanalysis for chemical mapping and quantitative analysis of minerals using a backscattered electron detector and both energy-dispersive and wavelength-dispersive x-ray spectrometers.  The facility includes a computer lab for data processing and image analysis.  The SEM lab was recently moved to a centralized facility for electron beam microanalysis.  The Department of Geological Sciences will retain its privileges to the instruments listed above and enhance its access to a broader range of microanalytical techniques.

Scintag Pad V, microprocessor-controlled x-ray diffractometer
This instrument is a primary tool for identifying polycrystalline minerals and other materials. Rapid computer identification and characterization can be carried out using adata base of approximately 40,000 crystalline compounds.

Stable Isotope Laboratory
Using funds from NSF-EAR and campus matching contributions, we recently purchased two Finnigan Delta-Plus gas source mass spectrometers.  Following laboratory renovations, the instruments are now installed and generating data.  One instrument is equipped for on-line, continuous flow isotopic analysis via gas chromatography and a Carlo Erba elemental analyzer.  We also have a second elemental analyzer for high temperature pyrolysis (TC-EA), which expands the range of on-line capabilities to include such things as oxygen in sulfate and phosphate.  The dedicated continuous flow instrument, a Delta-Plus XL, is also configured for hydrogen analysis.  The second instrumentóa Delta-Plus with a dual inletóis dedicated largely to a new Kiel III device for automated C and O isotope analysis of small carbonate samples via individual acidification.  Collectively, these mass spectrometers are used routinely for analyses of C, O, H and N isotopes.  A technician assists with daily operations of the lab.

Vacuum lines for preparation of carbonates, silicates, sulfides, sulfates, hydrous minerals and waters for the analysis of C, O, H and S isotopes are also available in the department.

Stable Isotope Mass Spectrometer Lab

Two Technosyn luminoscopes

Other Campus Facilities
Elsewhere on campus, the MU Research Reactor recently installed a high-resolution inductively coupled plasma­mass spectrometer (ICP-MS).  This is a single collector (Axiom SC) unit with a magnetic sector, double focusing spectrometer.  The ICP-MS lab is equipped with a UV MicroProbe II laser ablation system.  The research reactor also houses a fully automated system for neutron activation analysis and a new x-ray fluorescence facility.  There is also a large support staff.  These instruments are used routinely by members of the Department of Geological Sciences.

Last Modified: winter 2008