RUI: Acquisition of a Rapid Sediment Grain Size Analyzer

Csu Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation, Fullerton CA

Investigators

Abstract

0318511 Kirby This grant supports the acquisition of a laser diffraction-based automated grain size analyzer in the Geology Department at Cal State Fullerton. The grain size analyzer, manufactured by Malvern Instruments, Inc., consists of an optical bench with variable wavelength laser light sources, a large volume sample dispersion cell, a PC computer for control, and software for data analysis. The instrument will support regional faculty and student research in paleolimnology/paleoclimatology. Grain size analysis of lake sediments helps to interpret the hydrodynamic, local tectonic, and regional paleoclimate conditions under which the sediments were deposited. The instrument will find immediate use for faculty and undergraduate student investigations of clastic-dominated lakes of the southwest U.S. and will yield proxy data of particular significance to understanding Quaternary and Holocene climate dynamics in this populated and semi-arid region. ***