Research Core Facility Directory

Services Offered

• Analysis of organic compounds in geological samples
• Biomarker and isotopic analysis
• Method development for organic geochemistry
• Research support in environmental and petroleum geochemistry

The PEACE LAB (Plasma Elemental Analysis Core) at UT Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences specializes in trace element analysis for a variety of liquid and solid samples. Utilizing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS) methods, the lab offers services for ultra-trace and isotopic analyses, supporting research in environmental science, geology, and biology. The lab provides educational courses and collaborative research opportunities, assisting users in precise elemental mapping and concentration studies.

Services Offered

• Plasma-based elemental analysis
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
• Trace metal detection and isotopic analysis
• Consultation on plasma elemental analysis techniques

Services Offered

• Experimental studies on rock permeability and fluid flow
• Pore-scale imaging and analysis
• Research on reservoir quality and hydrocarbon recovery
• Collaboration on petroleum and geoscience research

Services Offered

• Testing of rock strength and deformation properties
• Simulation of subsurface stress conditions
• Analysis of fracture and faulting in rocks
• Consulting on geotechnical and energy applications

Services Offered

• Sediment composition and texture analysis
• Grain size distribution and mineralogy
• Analysis of depositional environments
• Support for geological and environmental research

The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Laboratory offers micro to nanoscale SEM imaging and chemical analysis of various rock types, playing a critical role in a wide range of funded research projects related to reservoir characterization, fracture measurements and interpretation, and unconventional resources. Equipped with a newly acquired Zeiss Sigma High Vacuum Field Emission SEM, the laboratory specializes in generating large-area, high-resolution, automated image mosaics for fracture-scaling studies. This advanced imaging capability supports innovative research in geological sciences and resource exploration.

Services Offered

• Scanning electron microscopy for micro- to nanoscale imaging
• Elemental analysis via EDS and WDS
• High-resolution imaging for geological samples
• Consulting on SEM techniques and data interpretation

Services Offered

• Analysis of soil physical and chemical properties
• Soil nutrient and contaminant testing
• Consultation on soil management and conservation
• Support for environmental and agricultural research

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a cutting-edge analytical technique primarily employed for the rapid, precise, and accurate determination of trace elements (less than 1000 ppm) in both liquid and solid samples. In addition to trace element analysis, ICP-MS is also utilized for isotopic determinations and speciation studies. The modern ICP-MS system excels in its ability to measure trace elements at extremely low detection limits (down to sub parts per trillion levels) while simultaneously quantifying minor and major elements at parts per million levels during a single analytical run on appropriately diluted samples. This versatility makes ICP-MS an invaluable tool for a wide range of geochemical and environmental research applications.

Services Offered

• Isotope ratio analysis for geological samples
• Radiogenic isotope measurements (e.g., Sr, Nd, Pb)
• Support for geochronology and petrology research
• Collaboration on isotope geochemistry studies

The Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory specializes in measuring the isotopic compositions and elemental concentrations of various elements, including Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Lu-Hf, U-Th-Pb, Li, B, Mg, K, Zr, and rare earth elements (REE). The laboratory is equipped with a seven-collector Finnigan MAT 261 thermal ionization mass spectrometer, along with a single-channel ion-counting system. This advanced instrumentation supports a wide range of geochemical research, providing critical data for understanding elemental and isotopic processes.

Services Offered

• High-precision isotope ratio measurements
• Thermal ionization mass spectrometry for geochemistry
• Sample preparation and analysis
• Training in TIMS techniques for isotope analysis

Services Offered

• (U-Th)/He and (Ar-Ar) geochronology services
• Noble gas isotope analysis
• Sample preparation and irradiation
• Support for tectonics, petrology, and geochronology research

Services Offered

• Aqueous geochemistry analysis
• Sample preparation and chemical treatments
• Analysis of environmental and geological samples
• Collaboration on water and soil chemistry studies