The sedimentology and micropaleontology lab processes all the initial sediments’ preparation for grain size analysis, elemental analysis, and different microfossil (diatoms, coccolitophores, foraminifera) and corals work.
On the sedimentology side, it operates a Beckman Coulter LS I3 320 that provides number, volume, mass and surface area size distributions of particles contained in sediments in one measurement for micro and regular size samples (Coulter ALM waterful liquid module). Sizing range of 0.4 µm – 2 mm and rapid analysis of volume % size distribution, a basic characteristic of sediments routinely determined for every sample.
The micropaleontology side of the lab operates Freeze Dryer equipment that is fundamental for the disaggregation of sediment sample and extraction of fossilized microorganisms (siliceous and carbonate) from raw marine sediments. The facilities of this lab allows also for the preparation of water column samples, zooplankton and sediments collected by traps. This capability is mandatory for any further analysis on such microorganisms, which give information on water masses physical properties, nutrient content and water column structure in different climates.
The laboratory also houses a Geotek core splitter with specific blades to cut through plastic liners (up to 3 mm thickness) and a thin stainless-steel wire to split sediment cores. It can handle cores up to 155 cm with outer diameters between 5 to 15 cm.