Core Processing

Hi,

Here is a run through of what happens to the cores once they come out of the ground. First they are cut into one and a half meter sections. Then they are split and run through the MST track which takes all kinds of tests. Then they are photographed. Then they are labeled, sampled, described, and tested again. Then some of the samples are prepared for diatom, nannofossils and radiolaria slides. Then the finished slides go upstairs to the microscope lab where relative dates are determined by the paleontologists according to what microfossils are found. Then the cores are wrapped and stored temporarily until they are ready to go into the cooler where they will stay until they get back to the Antarctic Research Facility.


Core sectioning with Matt and Jeff Morin (a marine science tech, MT's help with EVERYTHING).


Running the MST track with Dr. Fred Weaver and Matt Curren. The MST track takes physical properties of the core without disturbing and of the sediment.


Photography with Jim Holik (Raytheon manager of marine science)


Labeling and sampling with Matt Sumner.


Scraping and describing with Kristy Milliken (A Rice University Phd student). The top layer of sediment must be scraped off the core in order to see any existing bedding/lamination. Then the cores are described in detail as shown with Tyler Smith (another Rice University Phd student).


Plastic syringe washing with Katie Kirsch. After every sample is taken each syringe must be washed so that there is not contamination by using the same syringe (if contamination did occur it could cause the age dates to have error, so washing is a very important step)


More sampling and tests with Brad Michalchuk and Pat Manley (Professor of Geology at Middlebury College).


Slide preparation with yours truly.


Biostratigraphy(relative age dates by way of microfossils) with Steve Bohaty (A University of California Santa Cruz Phd student)


And core wrapping and storing with Matt Sumner.

Hope you have enjoyed this walk through!

Editor's Note: Because of the bandwith issues and limited Internet access on the ship, Lindsey sends her posts to me via email. I postdate the entrys to the time that they show up in my inbox so that is why you might check on the 4th and not see a post but check on the 6th and see one dated for the 4th. -Sunshine (Antarctic Research Facility)