Steps for using the USGS 3H/3He Contract
The point of contact will be Julian E. Wayland (jwayland@usgs.gov), phone 703-648-5847, fax 703-648-5832.
Procedures for obtaining sample tubes, requesting services for schedule 1033 (analysis of helium, neon, and delta helium-3) and labcode 2112 (analysis for tritium by helium ingrowth), and submitting samples to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory are as follows:
Sample tubes are obtained by completing the Request for analytical services. This form is only available on the USGS intranet.� The Reston Chlorofluorocarbon Laboratory will arrange to have the sample tubes shipped from Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory to the field office.
Sample Collection Procedures
When the samples have been collected and are ready to be analyzed, the project office must download and complete the Sample Submission Form (a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet).� The completed submittal spreadsheet is returned by e-mail attachment to jwayland@usgs.gov with a cc to cfc@usgs.gov.� Sample ID tracking numbers will be assigned by the Reston Chlorofluorocarbon Laboratory and retuned to the project office via e-mail.� It is the responsibility of the project office to properly identify each sample with the sample ID tracking number. The project office then ships the samples to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and notifies the Reston Chlorofluorocarbon Laboratory (via e-mail to jwayland@usgs.gov with cc to cfc@usgs.gov) of date of shipment. Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory will notify the Reston Chlorofluorocarbon Laboratory when samples are received and condition of samples upon receipt. The project office will be notified of any samples damaged in shipment.
Billing by SV will be processed through the Branch of Regional Research, ER (contact: Melissa Schomody, AO; 703-648-5833, mlschom@usgs.gov). A deposit of $50.00 per sample tube is collected via SV when sample tubes are requested, and refunded when samples are shipped to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, including refund for returned unused sample tubes.� Results will be reported to the project office as they are received from the Noble Gas Laboratory of Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.
To request sample tubes for Tritium/Helium-3 dating:
Complete and submit the Request for Analytical Services Form.
To submit samples:
- Download and complete the Sample Submission Form (a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet) obtained from http://water.usgs.gov/lab/.
- Sample ID tracking numbers will be returned to you via e-mail, and/or printed labels that can be affixed to the sample containers. Be sure that the Sample ID tracking number is placed on each sample tube and bottle. The Reston Chlorofluorocarbon Laboratory will forward your submittal information electronically to Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.
- Ship the sample tube(s) and water samples for
tritium determination to:
Dr. Peter Schlosser
Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Geochemistry Bldg, RM 74
Route 9W
Palisades, NY 10964
- Precautions need to be taken to assure that samples shipped in winter months do not freeze during shipping.
Questions should be directed to Julian E. Wayland (jwayland@usgs.gov) 703-648-5847. All billing will be handled through Reston and all data will be delivered through Julian E. Wayland. Technical information on sample collection and interpretation of Tritium/Helium-3 age can be found at http://water.usgs.gov/lab/3h3he. Technical questions regarding interpretation of Tritium/Helium-3 age can be directed to Niel Plummer (nplummer@usgs.gov), 703-648-5841 or Ed Busenberg (ebusenbe@usgs.gov), 703-648-5726.
