The Palaeontology and Sedimentology Laboratory (PalSed lab) supports Geoscience Australia's projects by providing a broad range of specialist preparatory, analytical, and technical services to Geoscience Australia's scientific staff.
We offer a range of services in the areas of palaeontology, sedimentology, and organic/mineral geochemistry. Our range of analyses is suitable for a variety of marine, estuarine, freshwater, and regolith samples.
Sieve grainsize: Samples are wet sieved into specific fractions to establish particle size distribution.
Laser grainsize: Conducted with the laser particle size analyser. Laser diffraction is used to calculate the volume weighted percentage of particles in the sample. This is a highly precise method suitable for particles in the range of 0.02-2000um.
CaCO3%: Determined using the carbonate digestion method. CaCO3% percentage for coarse fractions is estimated through visual inspection.
Multi Sensor Core Logging (MSCL): A non-destructive analytical process measuring density (through gamma attenuation), magnetic susceptibility, and P-wave velocity properties of core samples.
Core splitting/sampling: Core splitting and high resolution imaging using Geotek software. We have sampling kits available for use.
Palynology: Samples are digested in acid, oxidised, and separated by heavy liquid to concentrate remnants of fossilised organic remains such as pollen and spores. They are then presented for viewing in a slide for further investigation.
Diatom: Useful environmental indicators. Samples are digested and presented on a slide for diatom investigation.
Foraminifera: Involves the preparation of specific, clean fractions for foraminifera identification and picking. Foraminifera are useful for a variety of isotopic dating methods and environmental studies.
Imaging: We have a high resolution Olympus DP70 digital microscope camera capable of taking images to X 45 magnification.
We can prepare images for publication using Photoshop products.
Conodont element recovery: Conodont elements are separated from sedimentary rock samples.
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) preparation: Preparation of microscopic samples for imaging using the SEM.
The PalSed lab has a range of modern equipment and facilities including:
Christian Thun +61 2 6249 9557