Research Core Facility Directory

The Applied Geodynamics Laboratory (AGL) at UT Austin, part of the Bureau of Economic Geology, focuses on understanding salt tectonics through advanced research and modeling. AGL provides insights into subsurface dynamics relevant to energy exploration and geotechnical applications. Utilizing physical and computational modeling techniques, AGL researchers investigate the behavior of salt structures and their impact on petroleum systems. The lab’s collaborative projects with industry partners drive innovation in structural geology, offering valuable resources for enhanced exploration and production strategies. AGL staff collaborate closely with sponsors, providing access to cutting-edge data, tools, and geodynamic expertise.

Services Offered

• Research on salt tectonics
• Physical and computational modeling of salt structures
• Petroleum system analysis
• Industry collaboration on geotechnical challenges
• Data and visualization for subsurface studies

The Center for Stable Isotope Mass Spectrometry is a state-of-the-art, multi-user facility dedicated to advancing stable isotope geochemistry in the Earth Sciences. This facility provides researchers with cutting-edge instrumentation and expertise to address a wide range of geochemical challenges, supporting innovative solutions and collaborative research in Earth Science disciplines.

Services Offered

• Comprehensive stable isotope analysis (H, C, N, O, S)
• Custom isotopic ratio measurements for environmental samples
• Training in stable isotope methods and instrumentation
• Research collaboration in geochemistry and biogeochemistry
• Access to advanced mass spectrometry instrumentation for high-resolution data

The E-beam Lab houses an electron microprobe with five wavelength-dispersive spectrometers (WDS) and a large-area energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) on our low-vacuum SEM for non-destructive in-situ elemental characterization. Both can be used to qualitatively or quantitatively map elemental concentration variations (>100s of ppm) from the micron to the cm scale, as well as ~1 cubic micron focused beam analyses (>10 ppm).

Services Offered

• Electron beam lithography for nanoscale fabrication
• Patterning for semiconductor and materials science research
• Access to precision e-beam instrumentation
• Collaboration on micro- and nanoscale device manufacturing
• Technical consulting and training for e-beam processes

Services Offered

• Fracture and diagenesis analysis of geological samples
• Experimental setups for rock mechanics and geomechanical testing
• Consulting on subsurface fracture behavior
• Research partnerships on reservoir characterization and petroleum geology

The Fluid Inclusion Analysis Laboratory at UT Austin's Structural Diagenesis Initiative is dedicated to studying fluid inclusions, which serve as natural time capsules revealing the history of minerals and rocks. The lab employs advanced techniques like microthermometry and Raman spectroscopy to analyze fluid properties and their evolution. Researchers investigate the mechanisms of fracture formation and cementation, contributing to a deeper understanding of subsurface processes and resource management. This facility is essential for interdisciplinary studies in geochemistry and geology.

Services Offered

• Fluid inclusion analysis for geological research
• Microthermometry measurement and interpretation
• Sample preparation and petrographic analysis
• Training in fluid inclusion microscopy
• Collaborative research in mineral and hydrothermal systems

Services Offered

• Chemical analysis of geological and environmental samples
• Elemental and isotopic composition measurement
• Custom geochemical analysis and method development
• Collaboration on environmental and earth sciences research
• Access to advanced geochemistry instrumentation

The Geomechanics Laboratory at UT Austin investigates pore-scale fluid-sediment interactions under various stress conditions. The lab conducts experiments on both intact sediment cores and custom-fabricated resedimented cores from diverse locations, including the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Japan. Research focuses on developing models for pore pressure, stress around salt bodies, and slope failure. This hands-on facility fosters collaboration among students and researchers, providing a state-of-the-art environment for rigorous scientific inquiry.

Services Offered

• Testing of rock mechanics and material strength
• Measurement of subsurface stress and deformation
• Development of geomechanical models for reservoir and structural analysis
• Collaborative research in oil, gas, and geothermal applications

The Industrial CT Scanning Facility provides high-resolution, non-destructive density mapping for solid samples, including rocks and fossils, up to 50 cm in diameter, 150 cm in height, and a mass of 50 kg. This facility utilizes an advanced industrial CT scanner, adapted from medical CAT scanning technology, to deliver detailed internal imaging, supporting researchers in fields that require precise, internal structural analysis of diverse sample types

Services Offered

• High-resolution 3D imaging of geological, biological, and engineered samples
• Non-destructive internal structure analysis
• Custom scanning for specific research needs
• Consultation on data interpretation and visualization for tomography studies

Services Offered

• Analysis of water flow, storage, and quality
• Development of hydrologic models for environmental studies
• Consulting on groundwater contamination and resource management
• Field and lab-based hydrology research support

Services Offered

• Stable isotope ratio analysis for environmental samples
• Inorganic chemical analysis of geological materials
• Custom isotopic studies for geological and environmental applications
• Research support in isotope geochemistry

The Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) is a leader in expeditionary geophysical research, focusing on climate, energy, marine geosciences, seismology, and planetary geophysics. Since 1972, UTIG has supported impactful research, engaging over 50 scientists and postdoctoral fellows in hands-on projects that include scientific ocean drilling and airborne radar studies of ice sheets. With a commitment to addressing global challenges, UTIG collaborates with various stakeholders to find sustainable solutions while preparing the next generation of geoscientists.

Services Offered

• Seismic and subsurface imaging research
• Oceanography and marine geoscience support
• Climate modeling and environmental monitoring
• Collaborative research on tectonics and earth processes
• Access to advanced geophysical instrumentation

The Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory, led by Dr. Jaime Barnes, is a state-of-the-art facility featuring a ThermoElectron MAT 253 mass spectrometer along with advanced peripheral devices, including a TC/EA, GasBench II, Conflo IV, online silicate laser extraction line, general-purpose vacuum extraction lines, and a chlorine purification line. This comprehensive instrumentation suite enables precise measurements of stable isotope ratios (H, C, N, O, S, and Cl) in a wide range of materials, including silicate, phosphate, and carbonate minerals, volcanic gases, air, and water samples, supporting pioneering research in isotope geochemistry.

Services Offered

• Light isotope ratio measurement (H, C, N, O, S)
• Elemental analysis of environmental samples
• High-precision mass spectrometry
• Training in isotope analysis methods
• Support for environmental and geological studies

Services Offered

• Seismic data acquisition and processing
• Marine subsurface imaging
• Analysis of sedimentary basins and tectonic structures
• Research support for marine geology and seismology projects

Services Offered

• Experimental setups for fluid flow in porous media
• Modeling of reservoir and aquifer processes
• Visualization of micro-scale fluid behaviors
• Research support for oil, gas, and environmental studies

The Nanoscale Force Spectroscopy Laboratory is dedicated to investigating nanoscale features using advanced force spectroscopy tools. The primary focus is on understanding the force fields of fluid molecules and nanoparticles, as well as the pore walls in geological environments, including saline aquifers and unconventional shale gas reservoirs. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, including an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), a Zeiss Light Microscope with a high-frequency capture camera, an ultraviolet (UV) particle analyzer, a packed column transport setup, and computational facilities. This comprehensive array of tools supports cutting-edge research in nanoscience and geoscience.

Services Offered

• Nanoscale analysis of geological materials
• Atomic force microscopy for surface characterization
• Research on fluid and mineral interactions
• Consultation for nanoscience and geoscience studies

Services Offered

• Vibrating sample magnetometry for nanoscale materials
• Analysis of magnetic properties
• Sample preparation for magnetometry
• Consultation on experimental design for magnetic studies

The UT Austin Bureau of Economic Geology’s Near Surface Observatory features LiDAR and hyperspectral data analysis for environmental monitoring and geological research. The observatory's advanced imaging helps capture and analyze surface-level environmental features, supporting studies in fields such as geology, environmental science, and resource management. This program enhances the understanding of Texas’s diverse terrains and provides actionable data for sustainable management and hazard assessment.

Services Offered

• High-resolution LIDAR mapping for surface studies
• Geospatial data collection and processing
• Terrain and vegetation analysis
• Support for geological and environmental research

Services Offered

• Large-scale structural testing for natural hazards
• Wind, earthquake, and wave simulation
• Data collection and analysis for structural resilience
• Collaboration for engineering and safety research

Services Offered

• Noble gas isotope analysis for geological samples
• (U-Th)/He dating for thermochronology
• Sample preparation and analysis
• Support for geochronology and tectonic studies

The Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory is an innovative facility with unique capabilities. Services provided by the NETL are available to researchers and clients both within and outside The University of Texas at Austin including international clients. Services include education and training, nuclear and radiation related research, nuclear analytical services, radioisotope production, and specialized technical services. With the varied areas of specialty of NETL staff, NETL welcomes all nuclear and radiation related inquiries.

Services Offered

• NETL research areas are typically related to nuclear forensics but also include robotics applications along with other areas.
• Trace element analysis using neutron activation analysis and prompt gamma activation analysis. Measuring distribution of elements in material using neutron depth profiling. Imaging materials with neutron radiography.
• The NETL can produce a variety of radioisotopes for use in research, nuclear medicine, and industrial processes.
• The NETL staff have a variety of areas of specialty to aid in design and development of experiments, processes, and products.