The Stable Isotope Geoscience Laboratory applies stable isotope analysis to investigate geological, environmental, and marine processes across both deep Earth and surface systems. Using high-precision isotope ratio mass spectrometry, the group analyses carbon, oxygen, and other light isotopes in minerals, rocks, fluids, and marine carbonates to study diagenesis, fluid-rock interaction, sediment provenance, and paleoenvironmental change. Their research supports a wide range of applications, including basin evolution, resource exploration, and marine climate reconstructions across geological time.
Methodology
SUERC’s Stable Isotope Geoscience Laboratory provides carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur isotope measuring facilities. We house a large range of stable isotope instrumentation and vacuum preparation systems of vintages spanning three decades.
We provide:
Direct experience of progressive developments in stable isotope chemistry and mass spectrometry over the last thirty years.
Manual-set-up mass spectrometers and “hands on” techniques providing teaching tools for students and complementing the modern automated “black-box” systems.
Back up of automated rapid throughput systems by basic benchmark “gold standard” reference material calibration capability.
Techniques
Thermo Delta V Plus mass spec with Gas Bench II 2008
Hydrogen and oxygen isotope analysis of waters; Carbon isotope analysis of DIC/ Shared with the Ecology lab
Thermo MAT 253 Mass Spectrometer + SO2 purification
Sulfur isotope analysis of prepared SO2 samples
Elementar VisION mass spec with Pyrocube 2013
Oxygen isotope analysis of sulfate samples
Optima IRMS for D/H with chromium extraction oven
Hydrogen isotope measurement of H2 and waters
AP carbonate and water / dissolved O2 IRMS with two Gilson autosamplers
Carbon and oxygen isotope measurements of pure carbonates
IRMS with Laser system for laser ablation of S
In situ sulfur isotope measurement
Dr Laura Hepburn
Research Scientist, Manager of NEIF Stable Isotope Geoscience Laboratory
