MRI-RUI: Acquisition of a scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer

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0320639SelleckThis Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program grant supports acquisition of a JEOL Model JSM-6360 LV Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with CL and BSE detectors for imaging and analysis of a variety of geological materials in the Department of Geology at Colgate University. This equipment will replace an antiquated SEM purchased in 1986. The new equipment will be interfaced with a new PGT Spirit Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis System (EDS) purchased in spring 2002 with university funds. A number of geological research projects are critically dependent on the new SEM system including studies of paleoclimate in Alaska, Antarctica and New York; mineral-plant interactions in acidified soil systems; burial diagenesis and cementation in ancient sandstones; petrologic and tectonic studies of the Grenville Orogen (including hydrothermal systems); and burial taphonomy of dinosaur eggs. Undergraduate student research in Geology at Colgate is used as a component of coursework and for upper-level independent projects and theses; the new SEM will provide students with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation for high resolution microscopy and microchemical analysis of natural materials.