This award provides 60% of the funds required to modernize the X- ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer operated in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of South Carolina. The University is committed to providing the remaining funds. The XRF laboratory is used to obtain chemical analyses (major and trace elements) of rock and mineral samples in support of research projects and teaching in earth sciences at the University of South Carolina. It is presently using a twelve year old instrument which has been kept in a good state of repair. The modest upgrade supported by this award will bring its capabilities to a level comparable with modern equipment.
