Facilities
The major research goals of the Planetary Volcanism Laboratory are to study controls on volcano explosivity, the generation and evolution of planetary atmospheres, and the storage and transport of volatiles in planetary interiors. Our toolbox includes experimental, analytical and numerical techniques:
Analytical facilities
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
FTIR is a powerful technique for studying the concentration and speciation of volatiles (e.g., H2O, CO2, H2, CO, NH-, CH4, etc.) in silicate glasses and minerals. Our Nicolet iN10 MX Infrared Imaging Microscope has high spatial resolution mapping capabilities. Contact Megan (newcombe(at)umd.edu) if you are interested in using the FTIR.
Sample preparation facilities
Wire Saw (WS 25)
This magical tool is used to make precise cuts in precious and tiny samples. From the Princeton Scientific website: "The WS-25 wire saw enables cutting of very thin slices (down to a thickness of 10μm) with smooth cut surfaces (where surface roughness does not exceed 1µm). The WS-25 wire saw is particularly recommended for cutting materials where minimization of material and surface loss demands are important. Using the thinnest available wire (20μm diameter) and proper abrasive powder dimensions, the material loss does not exceed 30 μm. Obtained slices are perfectly parallel, thus additional lapping is unnecessary. Cutting at any desired angle is possible due to the rotation of the sample holder."
Leica S9i Stereomicroscope
This microscope is equipped with transmitted light and an awesome camera. We use it to search for melt inclusions and to document our samples at every stage of sample preparation.
Leica DM750P Petrographic Microscope
This microscope is equipped with a camera, reflected light, a rotatable analyzer, and four objective lenses (x5, x10, x20, x50).
Experimental facilities
We use traditional experimental petrology techniques to create and study analog systems that reveal the fundamental processes underlying the complex geochemical signals observed in natural samples.
1-atm gas-mixing furnaces
These are used to synthesize silicate melts and minerals under controlled fO2, fH2O, fCO, and fCO2 conditions, designed to mimic conditions during volcanic eruptions on the Earth and other planets.
Cold-seal pressure vessels
Rapid-quench TZM cold-seal pressure vessels are available in the Hydrothermal Lab to study magma ascent through the crust.
Depths of the Earth 'QuickPRESS' piston cylinder apparatus
This apparatus is capable of reaching temperatures up to 1800 C and pressures up to 4 GPa.
Lab Mascot
Pakora the dog is always available to boost morale and chew doorstops.
Pakora working from home
Pakora visits the campus farm