Research | Environmental Isotope Laboratory
Faculty, staff, and students in the Environmental Isotope Laboratory employ naturally occurring stable and radioactive isotopes as well as major element compositions to hydrological and geological questions. Study areas are generally local or in nearby hydrologic basins, and problems range from locations and extent of groundwater recharge to sources of chloride in brines. Students learn techniques of sampling and analysis of waters for tritium, radiocarbon and stable isotopes, and their interpretation. Recent studies have revealed sites of recharge in the Tucson Basin, and extent of migration of 1960's precipitation in local aquifers. Continuing studies detail the sources of chloride and sulfur in groundwater systems, the origin and evolution of chloride in sedimentary basins, and past solar activity inferred from high-precision radiocarbon measurements in tree rings. Service analyses for internal and external users include radiocarbon dating, measurement of natural levels of tritium in water, stable isotope analyses of water,carbonates, brines, chloride minerals, sulfide and sulfate minerals. Research facilities in the Environmental Isotope Laboratory include a conventional radiocarbon dating laboratory capable of high-precision analyses, a tritium analysis laboratory for natural environmental levels of tritium, and three stable isotope mass spectrometers for C, H, N, O, S. Permanent personnel: David Dettman, Director, Research Scientist; Christopher J. Eastoe, Co-director, Staff Scientist; and Charles Tucek, Research Associate. Typically three or four undergraduate and graduate students are in residence and participating in research. Analytical Service Prices for 2007-2008 This form is a MS Word file. For each sample, please fill in as much of the information as is applicable, print the form and submit it with the sample. Please try to keep the completed form to one page.
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