Laboratory for Isotope Geology


At the Laboratory for Isotope Geology (LIG) we measure the ages of minerals and rocks using naturally occurring radioactive isotopes and their daughter products.

Geology is a science describing our Planet and its 4.5 billion year long evolution. For such studies is it essential to determine the age of geological materials, and how material is transported by different geological processes.

At the Laboratory for Isotope Geology (LIG) we measure the ages of minerals and rocks using naturally occurring radioactive isotopes and their daughter products. Variations in isotopic composition of different elements also provide information about the origin of rocks and ores, and are used to trace recent geochemical processes and the transport of elements in the environment. Isotope analysis requires mass spectrometers and other specialized equipment. The Laboratory for Isotope Geology is the only one of its kind in Sweden and serves as a national facility. Also located at the Laboratory for Isotope Geology is the Nordic geological ion microprobe facility NORDSIM.

Together with other research departments within the museum, LIG has been granted money in 2011 for establishing a Swedish centre for microanalysis - called the Vega Centre - at the museum. More information about these plans may be found in the link below.

Vega Centre for microanalysis

SYNTHESYS


The Swedish Museum of Natural History has been part of the Integrated Infrastructure Initiative SYNTHESYS, supported by the European Community during 2004-2008, and has received foreign (European) visitors for training and research under this scheme. A continuation of the program for a new five-year period ("SYNTHESYS-2") started in September 2009 and will continue up to 2013, although the amount of money available for guest researchers will be more limited.

LIG´s SYNTHESYS information page
Museum´s SYNTHESYS information page
SYNTHESYS central information pageexternal link, opens in new window

More geological links:


Geo-links
Senast ändrad 30 November 2011 13:26
Sidansvarig: Per Andersson, Enhetschef
Per.Andersson@nrm.se
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