US Geological Survey
The Reston Chlorofluorocarbon Laboratory
SF6 FAQ
- Where should I use SF6 dating?
Some environments that appear to have given good results
with SF6 include sandy aquifers (Atlantic and
Gulf coastal plain), areas of rapid recharge and lack of
mixing with old water (Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia,
some coastal aquifers), and some shallow, urban environments.�
For more details read the research
section then contact Ed Busenberg
if you have further questions.
- How do I get sample bottles for SF6?
See the SF6 Sampling page.
- How should the SF6 samples be stored after collection?
They should be stored at room temperature. Warming can
cause expansion of the water and breakage of the bottle.
Avoid leaving samples in the sun or hot enclosed spaces
(like field vehicles). Storage on ice is not recommended
because the cooling causes contraction of the water and
formation of a bubble in the bottle. Some of the SF6
in the sample will be preferentially partitioned into the
bubble headspace and will be lost when the bottle is opened
for analysis. This can introduce a small old bias in the
calculated SF6 age.
- How long can I keep the bottles before shipping?
Although the samples are probably stable for several months,
it is recommended that they be shipped to the CFC lab within
several days of collection. They will be analyzed within
approximately 1 month of receipt.
- How do I ship the bottles back to the CFC lab without breaking?
Wrap with bubble wrap, stand upright in coolers and ship
via FedEx.
- Can I get my bottles back after the samples are analyzed?
Yes. They will be returned in your coolers after they are
analyzed. They can be reused.
- Can I pre-pay for analyses?
Yes.
- Should I leave a headspace in the bottle?
No.
- What if I
see gas bubbles in the water during sampling?
If gas bubbles are forming, a lot of the SF6
in the sample is likely being lost with the bubbles. The
age will be biased old. Generally, SF6 dating is not recommended
on samples containing gas bubbles.
