Laboratories & Services
The Gulf Coast Repository (GCR) has over 9,000 square feet of laboratory space and is equipped with most of the instrumentation that was previously available onboard the JOIDES Resolution.
The GCR laboratories specialize in analyzing geologic cores and discrete samples (sediments, waters, rocks). Samples from scientific ocean drilling expeditions and other projects can be processed at the GCR. The GCR regularly works with researchers of varied backgrounds and can analyze non-geologic materials (i.e. metals, composite materials, etc.) as well.
Laboratory Equipment
A wide variety of physical properties, geochemistry, microscopy, paleomagnetism, and sample preparation equipment is available at the GCR. Instruments include non-destructive track systems for the measurement of core sections as well as instruments for the measurement of discrete samples of sediments, waters, and rocks. Additional equipment, such as the core splitter, is also available. See a list of all analytical equipment at the GCR. Use of analytical equipment incurs a usage fee that covers instrument consumables and maintenance.
Analytical plans are customized to each project based on specific project needs.
Services
Visiting the repository is not a requirement for use of the GCR’s analytical equipment. For those unable to visit the GCR, technical staff can make non-destructive analyses, discrete sample measurements, sample preparation, sampling and core splitting on your behalf, for no additional cost. While GCR staff strive to complete measurements as quickly as possible, the actual turnaround time can be highly variable based on other laboratory activities and staff availability. Instrument availability is prioritized for those visiting the GCR to make measurements themself.
Some instrumentation can be rented on a case by case basis for use in other laboratories or field-based projects.
Sample Materials
Laboratory facility users may request samples from the GCR’s collection or provide their own cores/samples for analyses. Non-scientific ocean drilling samples can be measured on GCR instruments. While the GCR specialises in working with geologic materials (i.e. sediment, rock, water), non-geologic materials (i.e. metals, composite materials, etc.) can also be analyzed.
Whole core, split core and sub-samples can be measured. Our instruments are capable of fitting a variety of core diameters, liner materials, and sample types.