Pacific centre for isotopic and geochemical research

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The Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research (PCIGR) is a major regional geochemical analytical facility at the University of British Columbia serving the research needs of investigators from western Canadian universities (UBC, Simon Fraser University, University of Victoria), government agencies, the mineral industry, and the international research community. As per NSERC's request, we have merged the two MFA-funded analytical facilities in the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences (PCIGR and AFES) into one. The PCIGR is a unique research centre both within Canada and the U.S. that provides analytical instrumentation critical for resolving problems in solid earth sciences, environmental sciences, and oceanography. The facility is centred around the analytical capabilities of seven mass spectrometers housed in new clean rooms, an array of elemental and gas analyzers, three new chemical clean laboratories, and an inorganic geochemical laboratory. Isotopic and chemical systems currently under investigation include radiogenic isotopes in tracer (Pb-Pb, Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Lu-Hf) and geochronological studies (U-Pb, Ar-Ar, (U-Th)-He), heavy stable isotopes in geologic and biologic materials (Fe, Mo, Cd, Mg, Cu, Zn), U-decay series isotopes in marine samples (sediments, seawater), light stable isotopes (C, O, H, N) in carbonate minerals, sediments, waters, and gases, and trace element characterization of earth, ocean, and environmental materials. The combination of instrumentation, sample preparation laboratories, and technical support is key to the research of a large number of scientists and their students. Funding is requested to partially support the essential research personnel that are vital to the success of this facility. They provide training for new users, allow the flexibility to accommodate the specialized needs of users, and play an important role in the development of new analytical protocols, all of which is essential to ensure that the PCIGR remains at the forefront of geochemical research.