| Communications and Development |  |
Published by Communications and Development
Researchers at the University of Canterbury will gain a better understanding of the Earth’s geochemical fingerprints thanks to the opening of a new $1million stable isotope analytical facility.
The facility, housed in the Department of Geological Sciences, was officially opened by Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Town.
Stable isotopes account for more than 99 per cent of all organic and inorganic material on the planet, including the rocks we mine, water we drink, air we breathe and food we eat.
Environmental geochemist, Dr Travis Horton (Geological Sciences) said stable isotopic data for ice, fossils, and sedimentary rocks, provided the foundation for our understanding of earth’s ancient climate conditions, while other applications included the ability to trace water resources through groundwater and geothermal systems.
Assistant Vice-Chancellor and former head of Geological Sciences, Professor Steve Weaver, said the $1million state-of-the art laboratory represented “a tremendous boost for environmental science research at Canterbury, especially in the fields of climate change, bio-geochemistry and pollution studies”.
Head of Geological Sciences Professor Jarg Pettinga, said the opening of the facility marked the achievement of a strategic investment in interdisciplinary and environmental research by the department and the College of Science.
Dr Horton said a variety of research projects were already in the works.
“In Geological Sciences, we are pursuing research questions aimed at advancing our understanding of everything from geothermal systems, to water resources, to climate change. At the same time, colleagues in the School of Biological Sciences are pursuing stable isotopic research on aquatic ecosystems, cellular plant biology, and biomineralization. It’s quite an exciting time for environmental research here at UC.”
Following the formal opening, University staff and postgraduate students had the opportunity to try their hand at preparing samples from a 15 million-year-old lake limestone for an ongoing paleoclimate research project.
For further information please contact:
Jeanette Colman
Communications Manager
University of Canterbury
Ph (03) 364 2260
jeanette.colman@canterbury.ac.nz