Core Processing & Sedimentology Labs

Our two labs help process and analyze sediment samples and sediment cores collected from terrestrial, lake, and marine environments. We perform chemical and physical analyses on sediments and other materials. The samples and measurements are used for help reconstruct past climate and environmental conditions.

Wendy Roth
Manager

Suzanne Anderson
Sedimentology Director

John T. Andrews
Emeritus fellow

Anne Jennings
Faculty fellow

Tom Marchitto
Faculty fellow

Giff Miller
Faculty fellow

Josie Arcuri
Grad student

X-radiograph of glacial marine sediments in West Greenland sediment core JR175-VC24, showing ice-rafted detritus (IRD).

This facility helps process and analyze sediment cores collected from terrestrial, lake, and marine environments. The samples and measurements are used for help reconstruct past climate and environmental conditions. Sediment cores are split, photographed, color logged, described, and sampled and their magnetic properties measured. Sinks are available for wet sieving samples for preparation of microscopic analysis or other needs. There are two analytical balances available for weighing samples, a small oven, carts for transporting cores and samples, and plenty of counter space. The lab is equipped with a McCrone mill for grinding samples for X-ray diffraction analysis and two PCs dedicated for processing XRD runs.

Sedimentology lab

This laboratory provides high-quality data for research projects for INSTAAR researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, and outside clients. The laboratory performs both chemical and physical analyses on sediments and other material and encourages students to run their own analyses.

The lab is equipped to measure grain size using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer (Malvern long bed mastersizer), total carbon and inorganic carbon content (Coulometer), magnetic properties (MS, SIRM, and IRM), bulk density and mineralogy (Siemens D5000 X-Ray Diffractometer). Sieves are available for both dry and wet sieve analysis. The lab is equipped with ovens, two freeze dryers, a distilled water system, and analytical balances.

Need access to the lab? Get to Wendy!