Funds form this grant will support acquisition of a stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer (SIRMS) for climate change research. The intend to purchase a GV Isoprime IRMS that will be interfaced with a continuous flow element analyzer and outfitted with a MultiCarb sample preparation and presentation module for automated analyses for the measurement of isotope ratios of O, N, and C on a variety of organic and inorganic materials. Isotopic research by PIs Thunell and Kohn will focus on high-resolution climate studies of the Holocene and late Pleistocene. Specifically, Thunell's research will examine the role of the tropics in global climate change. Kohn's research will focus on analysis of fossils as paleoecological and paleoclimatic monitors of climate change and tectonics. The acquisition of a new IRMS will not only strengthen USC research programs through on-going collaborations with over 50 other geoscientists but will also add considerably to ongoing student training. The two PIs presently have 8 graduate students (6 PhD and 2 MS), all of whom are receiving practical training in stable isotope geochemistry. ***
