The Center for Isotope Geochemistry (CIG) is a joint-institution research center, with labs both at LBNL and UC Berkeley. This state-of-the-art analytical facility was established in 1988 to measure the concentrations and isotopic compositions of elements in rocks, minerals, and fluids in the earth’s crust, atmosphere, and oceans. CIG has a community of roughly 25 people—scientists, research lab staff, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and administrative/computer support staff. It is directed by Donald J. DePaolo, Associate Lab Director of the Energy Sciences Area at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and Class of 1951 Professor of Geochemistry, Department of Earth and Planetary Science, UC Berkeley.
Center for Isotope Geochemistry
An Earth Sciences Division Resource Facility
Analytical Facilities
GC/MS+TCD Laboratory: Bulk Gas Geochemistry and Characterization of Volatile and Fluid Phase Samples
Our Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer + Thermal Conductivity Detector (GC/MS+TCD) laboratory has been designed for bulk gas analytical characterization of geothermal, reservoir and volcanic gasses. The instrument is currently configured with…
IsoProbe (Magnetic Sector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer) Laboratory
This facility provides high precision isotopic measurements of a wide range of elements—isotopic analyses are routinely conducted for Li, B, Mg, K, Cr, Sr, Hf, Nd, Pb, Ru, U and…
RARGA: Noble Gases in Fluids Lab
The RARGA facility consists of an all-metal high-resolution noble gas mass spectrometer constructed in-house. Connected to the mass spectrometer is an all-metal gas extraction and purification line. The RARGA system…
Stable Isotope Laboratory
This facility consists of two laboratories. The main laboratory includes a Micromass JA Series Isoprime mass spectrometer and a Thermo Delta V Plus mass spectrometer. The Isoprime is fitted with…
TANGO: Noble Gases in Rocks, Minerals, and Fluid Inclusions
The TANGO facility consists of an all-metal low-blank high-resolution VG5400 noble gas mass spectrometer purchased from VG Fisons. Connected to the mass spectrometer is an all-metal low-blank gas extraction and…
Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometers
This facility’s two Thermo-Finnigan Triton Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometers (aka TIMS) have capabilities for high precision isotopic and elemental abundance measurements of Sr, Nd, Sm, Ca, K, Fe, U, Th,…