Operation of a National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Facility of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

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9807266 Hayes This award to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts provides support for operation of the National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometer facility. This facility carries out analyses of carbon isotopes, particularly 14-C, for research in ocean, earth and atmospheric sciences. A major component of the analytical work during the initial three years of the award is expected to be water samples collected as part of the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE), an international program to understand the circulation and structure of the world oceans. In addition to WOCE samples, the facility carries out research in techniques for quantitative analysis of very small samples (to a minimum of 25 micrograms carbon, compared to standard AMS sample size of 300 micrograms) and compound-specific samples, which allows study of individual components of samples, and hence improved understanding of biogeochemical processes. It also provides a facility for radiocarbon dating and study of carbon isotopes for the earth and ocean sciences community. Major emphasis in the present award focuses on improving sample turnaround time, upgrading web-based information and sample submittal procedures, reducing maintenance time, improving system monitoring, improving sample throughput while maintaining high analytical precision, and increasing the total number of samples analyzed annually without increasing staffing levels. This award provides support for five years via a cooperative agreement, with a review of performance planned during the third year. ***