Operation of a National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spec

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

The National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (NOSAMS) was established to provide analyses of 14C at natural levels. NOSAMS plays an important role in oceanographic research by generating high accuracy, high precision 14C data in a timely manner for seawater, groundwater, organic carbon (OC), carbonates, sediments, individual compounds, and other materials. This data is used to understand where CO2 absorbed by the ocean is stored as well as many chemical, biological and geological processes that cycle carbon in the ocean and within sediments. The three-pronged mission of NOSAMS is to make high quality radiocarbon measurements accessible to the ocean sciences community, to continuously improve and develop new measurement capabilities, and to serve as an educational and outreach resource. NOSAMS provides significant training opportunities for early career scientists. NOSAMS is unique in offering comprehensive radiocarbon services and expertise to a broad community of users. NOSAMS has provided data that is critical to understanding geophysical process in the earth's surface environment, for example past and present ocean circulation, and biogeochemical cycling of carbon. NOSAMS will continue to provide 14C analysis for oceanographic research for the next five years and will continue to research new methods for 14C dating. NOSAMS plans to capitalize on the new capabilities of the recently installed MIni CArbon DAting System (MICADAS) and to streamline operations by increasing automation. The hybrid gas interfaces of the MICADAS offer new opportunities for rapid measurements, new procedures, and new sample types. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.