Jackson School of Geosciences

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

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

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

• 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

Services Offered

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

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

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 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

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