In early May, the first samples were analysed in the brand new lab, named Uni Research Trace Element Lab. Since then, the researchers have had their hands full.
”Just now we’re busy analysing foraminifera, marine zooplankton over three million years old,” says researcher Jørund Strømsøe of Uni Climate. He is in charge of the new lab, together with Amandine Tisserand.
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| Amandine Tisserand and Jørund Strømsøe are running the new lab. |
Temperature variations can be seen
It is primarily the magnesium/calcium content in marine zooplankton which is analysed. When plankton die, they fall to the seabed where they lie with sediment, and are thus preserved in layers. The sediments are sieved and the small shells picked out under a microscope. The analysis indicates the temperature and salinity in the ocean during the lifetime of the zooplankton. In this way we can tell how the temperature of ocean currents has varied through the ages.
”We spend a few days preparing the samples before we can analyse them,” says Jørund, showing a tiny test tube with almost invisible minute shells inside.
More extensive research planned
There are plans to analyse corals, shells and possibly other types of marine carbonates at a later stage.
There are a handful of other laboratories in Europe that specialise in Mg/Ca analysis. The Uni Climate Lab is available for anyone who needs to carry out this type of analysis. It will be also possible to analyse water samples and oil samples here, with some quick adjustments of the instrument.
“For the time being, it’s mainly Uni Climate and the Bjerknes Centre's partners in Europe who are using the lab, but we are naturally available for other types of analysis aimed at determining the element content of the samples. Other researchers at Uni Research who might need to carry out element analyses are welcome to contact us, then we’ll see what we can arrange,” says Jørund.
Too busy for an opening
The instrument used is an Agilent 720 ICP-OES, and the first samples were analysed on 3 May. The lab has not yet had an official opening.
”We haven’t had time. The instrument’s been going non-stop these first weeks, ” says Amandine only days before she leaves for maternal leave.