This award will provide approximately half the funds needed to acquire an automated X-ray diffractometer. The additional funds necessary for this acquisition have been committed by the University of Wyoming. This instrument will be one of the central analytical instruments to enable ongoing research in geochemistry,clay mineralogy, and clastic diagenesis within the Geology Department. It will also be used by faculty and students engaged in studies of mineral assemblages in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Researchers in soil and environmental chemistry are also expected to be users. This new automated instrument will replace old diffractometers which are no longer capable of performing up to today's standards. This new diffractometer will also make it possible to teach undergraduates and graduates in mineralogy and petrology courses with state-of-the-art instrumentation. A full-time experienced staff member will be responsible for instrument maintenance and will train and assist users.
