Acquisition of an Automated Light Gas Stable Isotope Mass Spectrometer for Dedicated Carbonate Analysis (PALEOCEANOGRAPHY, EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE, ARCHAEOLOGY AND ECOLOGY)

University Of California-Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara CA

Investigators

Abstract

0320723 Kennett This Major Research Instrumentation award to University of California Santa Barbara provides funds for acquisition of an isotope ratio mass spectrometer with a carbonate preparation system, to be used primarily for the analysis of marine carbonates. The instrumentation will replace a heavily used, aging mass spectrometer, and it will be installed in a recently refurbished laboratory and managed as a recharge facility open to UCSB and outsider researchers. The principal use will be for the study of paleoclimates and paleoceanography, continuing and extending research on oxygen and carbon isotopic variations in marine sediments as a tool to understand global stratigraphy, biogeochemical cycles, land-sea reservoir changes, and CO2 and CH4 exchange between the ocean and atmosphere. The proposal includes plans for expansion of research into new, interdisciplinary areas involving faculty in earth sciences, anthropology and biology, and it is expected to have a major impact on education of undergraduate and graduate students at UCSB. This instrumentation award is supported by the Division of Ocean Sciences at NSF. ***