Marine Ecosystems Research Department - jamstec japan agency ...

Japan Marine Science and Technology Center
Institute for Frontier Research on Earth Evolution (IFREE)
5. Development of new analytical techniques and
instruments
In our group, we have developed new analytical
techniques and instruments. In FY we developed
an "Oguri-View" system which visualizes the sediment
surface using a CCD camera, and an optode
microelectrode system that automatically measures
the -D distribution of dissolved O
concentration
at the sediment-water interface at the micrometer
scale (Fig.). We have also developed two XRF
core-loggers to rapidly determine the major element
composition of sediments and sedimentary rock
(Fig.).
Both allow the determination of major oxide compositions:
the "Tatscan-F" at the micrometer scale in
relatively small samples (up to mm x mm); and
the "Tatscan-F" at the millimeter scale in core samples
(up to mm x mm). The latter core-logger
has recently been installed in the new drilling ship
"Chikyu" and the Marine Core Research Center of
Kochi University.
Center for Data and Sample Analysis
1. Research Overview
The Sample Analysis Division installed Electron
Probe Microanalysers, Thermal Ionization Mass
Spectrometers, Quadrupole ICP Mass Spectrometers,
an X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer, and a Noble gas
mass spectrometer, and has started to analyze rock
and fluid samples. The Pacific Data Network
Division developed a database and data distribution
system for broadband seismograms and electromagnetic
data obtained through the Pacific geophysical
network. It also developed automated seismic phase
picking software for short period seismograms.
The Seismic Data Processing Division conducted
geological surveys and sampled along the Chichibu
Tectonic Zone (CTZ), from Shikoku to the Kanto
area, in order to clarify the formation and evolution of
serpentine diapirs. It developed a new technique
necessary for sophisticated processing. In , it
processed seismic data obtained from a two-ship
survey, applying a Median filter, which is seldom
used in MCS data processing.
Fig.30 An optode system which allows 2-D visualization of sediment
surface.
Fig.31 An image of XRF core-logger, Tatscan-F2
2. Sample Analysis Division
One of the tasks of the Sample Analysis Division is
to conduct comprehensive analyses of the chemical
composition and physical properties of rock and fluid
samples, in collaboration with various laboratories in
universities, the Research Program for Geochemical
Evolution at IFREE, and the Core Sample Analyses
Center of OD. For this purpose, effective and accurate
analytical techniques have been and will continue
to be developed at the D/S Center. In order to decode
the geochemical characteristics (major and trace elements,
isotopic compositions, and radiometric dating)
of solid samples, such as igneous rocks, sedimentary
rocks, and fossils, and of fluid samples, such as pore
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