This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program grant supports acquisition of a new electron microprobe (EMP) in the Department of Geology, Washington State University (WSU). The instrument will replace an antiquated CAMECA Camebax EMP purchased in 1982. The new EMP will support microchemical analysis of tephras for studies in volcanology, paleoclimatology, archaeology, eolian sedimentation and soil genesis; crystal chemical studies of tetrahedites, zeolites and shocked minerals from impact structures; compositional analysis of zoned phenocrysts to support research on magmatic processes; analysis of hydrothermally altered phases to support studies of ore genesis; and characterization of multicomponent oxide phases and magnetic thin films. The EMP will serve as a regional analytical facility for multiple faculty and students at WSU, University of Idaho, Eastern Washington University, Boise State University, University of Montana and scientists at the USGS in Spokane and at the Idaho Geological Survey for research spanning the fields of petrology, materials science, soil science and chemistry. The EMP complements existing elemental and isotopic analytical equipment in the WSU GeoAnalytical Lab, including an XRF and MC-ICP-MS. The EMP will impact developed graduate curricula in x-ray analytical methods, graduate student research at both WSU and nearby University of Idaho and will support an NSF-DMR funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site at WSU that has a track record of high enrollment (45%) of female students.
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