Acquisition of Stable Isotope Facilities for Geologic Research at Texas A&M University

Texas A&M Research Foundation, College Station TX

Investigators

Abstract

0321278 Grossman This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) grant provides partial support for the purchase of an stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer (SIRMS) and automation systems that will allow (1) automated carbon and oxygen isotopic analyses of carbonate minerals, (2) oxygen and hydrogen isotopic analyses of water, and (3) automated carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses of organic matter. A state-of-the-art micromilling system for high-resolution sampling of carbonates fossils will also be purchased. The new SIRMS will replace a 19 year old Finnigan MAT 251 in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at Texas A&M. The facility will also benefit faculty and students in Departments of Oceanography, Chemistry, and Anthropology and researchers affiliated with the Ocean Drilling Program. The new SIRMS will be employed for isotopic research including studies of Paleozoic and Tertiary paleoclimates, the biogeochemistry of anaerobic systems, carbonate petrology and human paleodiets. ***