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Jackson School of Geosciences

Porosity, Permeability, and Pore-Scale Processes (P4) Lab

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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
Brief Description
Porosity analysis, Permeability testing, Pore-scale modeling, Experimental research

Wet Chemistry Lab

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Services Offered

  • Aqueous geochemistry analysis
  • Sample preparation and chemical treatments
  • Analysis of environmental and geological samples
  • Collaboration on water and soil chemistry studies
Brief Description
Wet chemistry analysis, Environmental monitoring, Geochemical research, Sample preparation

Micro-Model Lab

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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
Brief Description
Micro-model research, Fluid flow studies, Pore-scale modeling, Experimental research

SEM Lab: Bureau of Economic Geology

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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
Brief Description
Scanning electron microscopy, Mineral analysis, Surface characterization, Technical support

Bureau of Economic Geology

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The Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) at UT Austin is a leading research institute dedicated to advancing the understanding of energy resources, environmental systems, and geological processes. As the oldest research unit at UT, BEG integrates cutting-edge science with practical applications, supporting industry, government, and public interest in areas such as energy exploration, carbon storage, water resource management, and environmental sustainability. BEG's multidisciplinary teams conduct innovative research and provide expertise, facilities, and data resources that drive scientific discovery and inform policy. The Bureau’s collaborative environment enables impactful research with global reach and real-world applications.

Services Offered

  • Energy and environmental research
  • Geological sample and data resources
  • Industry and government partnerships
  • Policy research on sustainability
  • Training for geoscience professionals
Brief Description
Research in energy, environment, and economy, Geologic mapping, Subsurface data analysis, Advisory and educational services

Fluid Inclusion Microscopy and Microthermometry Lab

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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
Brief Description
Fluid inclusion analysis, Microthermometry, Geological research, Sample preparation

PEACE LAB (Plasma Elemental Analysis Core)

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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
Brief Description
Elemental analysis of liquids by solution mode ICP-MS or solids by laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS), applicable to a broad range of scientific disciplines

Austin Core Research Center

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The Austin Core Research Center (ACRC) at UT Austin is one of the largest and most comprehensive repositories for geological samples in the United States. Housing an extensive collection of core, cuttings, and rock samples from Texas and beyond, ACRC serves as a valuable resource for research and education in geology, energy, and environmental science. The center provides access to state-of-the-art facilities for sample analysis, preservation, and data management, supporting studies in sedimentology, stratigraphy, and petroleum geology. ACRC staff offer expertise in core handling and analysis, assisting researchers, students, and industry professionals in unlocking subsurface insights for exploration and research projects.

Services Offered

  • Geological core and sample repository
  • Core and cuttings analysis
  • Sedimentology and stratigraphy support
  • Access to historical and recent geological data
  • Training in core analysis techniques
Brief Description
Core repository for geologic materials, Core examination layout rooms, Processing rooms for slabbing core, Public viewing and research

Nano-Metrology (VSM) Lab

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Services Offered

  • Vibrating sample magnetometry for nanoscale materials
  • Analysis of magnetic properties
  • Sample preparation for magnetometry
  • Consultation on experimental design for magnetic studies
Brief Description
Nano-metrology, Vibrating sample magnetometry, Magnetic property analysis, Technical support

Soil Characterization Lab

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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
Brief Description
Soil analysis, Soil chemistry, Environmental monitoring, Sample preparation
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