Jackson School of Geosciences

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

• 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

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

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

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 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

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