SESE: Stable Isotope Lab

The Stable Isotope Lab was established in 1979 as a geochemistry research lab to investigate the stable isotopes of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. Currently the lab consists of two dual inlet isotope ratio mass spectrometers and five specialized high vacuum extraction lines to prepare and measure the gases to be analyzed. The capabilities of the lab include: measurement of the stable isotopes of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen from rocks and waters.The vacuum extraction lines can prepare gases from carbonate and silicate rocks, or from waters by equilibration and reduction methods. The lab also has the ability to separate and manometrically measure hydrogen, water and carbon dioxide gases as a result of in lab procedures or as support to outside researchers.