Acquisition of Analytical Instrumentation for Integrated Paleoclimatic and Sedimentary Research

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The PI's request funds to acquire state-of-the-art instrumentation for the quantitative chemical and physical analysis of sediment and rock cores for paleoclimatic and sedimentary research. The goal is to create an integrated new facility at the University of Miami that will combine the latest technology for the rapid and automated measurement of sediment/rock geochemical, optical, and petrophysical properties. The suite of new instruments, when combined with existing wet chemical analytical facilities, will allow for comprehensive, in-house, one-stop study of sediment and rock cores from marine, lake and wetland sites. The instruments we proposed include: (1) an Avaatech X-Ray Fluorescence Core Scanner to be used for the rapid and non-invasive elemental analysis of split sediment cores; (2) a GEOTEK Multi-Sensor Core Logger equipped with color line-scan camera system to be used for the digital imaging and direct physical property measurement of both whole and split rock and sediment cores; and (3) a replacement X-Ray Diffractometer that is needed for the quantitative determination of mineralogy. Broader Impacts:The proposed equipment acquisition would contribute significantly to an active sedimentary research group at the University of Miami, and to other universities in the South Florida area. On a national scale, the instruments would contribute to a significant improvement over existing US capabilities in paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental research. The equipment will be used for graduate and undergraduate student training.