Crustal Imaging and Characterization Team

USGS Luminescence Dating Laboratory

Sampling

Excavation Process

• Excavate Back ∼20 cm
• Expose a fresh face
• Soft Sediment - auger/push in PVC or aluminum tubes
• Hard Sediment - carve out block
• Moisture and light tight, black cloth cover during collection

Sample Amount Requirements

• Need 100 mg silt (4-11 microns) and 1 gram of fine sand size (90-125 microns or dominant grain size) for OSL (corresponds to 10-100 grams initial sample)
• Usually an extra bulk sample is needed (about 400-600 grams) for moisture

Next: Other Luminescence Labs in North America

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