SRSL provides geochemical and geophysical surveys which allow characterisation of sedimentary and biogeochemical processes in marine and coastal environments. By utilising our state-of-the-art analytical facilities at the Scottish Marine Institute, we can also provide the processing and analysis of samples/data in-house:
Analytical Facilities

ICPMS

ICPOES 

SAMS has built up a suite of world-class analytical facilities which are used for sediment, water and biological samples from the marine environment. Analyses include trace metal/element and organic compounds characterisation, (ICP-MS and ICP-OES), particle size analysis (PSA), nutrient analysis, radiochemistry and core-logging.

 

Core logging.jpgSMI is home to Scotland’s only multisensory-core logger. This device makes high resolution automated measurements of sediment cores, which include P-wave velocity, gamma ray attenuation bulk density, magnetic susceptibility and inductive resistivity (porosity) measurements.

 

 

 


Environmental Survey

Vessel and Equipment Hire

 
Geophysical Surveys
  • Near and far-field sedimentation rates, and changes to sedimentation rates)
  • Sedimentation modelling of dispersal, and changes to distribution)
  • Sediment loading of the water column (suspended particulate matter)
  •  Multi-beam bathymetric survey for mapping of the seabed as well as characterising habitats and seafloor sediment processes. The SAMS’ multibeam is a beam-mounted SeaBat 8124 echosounder, fitted to the R.V Calanus.
  • Side-scan sonar surveys are used to define objects and sediment structures on the seafloor depending on their acoustic properties. SAMS side-scan sonar is a dual frequency, 100 and 455 kHz, Klein 3000 model.
  •  Data handling, analysis and reporting is provided as a service in support of all geophysical surveys

 

Site and Resource Investigation

 
Geochemical Surveys
  • Sediment/water contamination (e.g. from leaching of antifouling coatings, dissolution of sacrificial anodes or accidental release of contaminants, such as fuel, oil or specialist chemicals).
  • Measurement of radionuclide levels in marine/estuarine environments
  • Water can be subject to Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) measurements at sea (which include chlorophyll and oxygen level).
 

Scottish Marine Institute Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA T: 01631 559000 F: 01631 559001 E: info@sams.ac.uk

A Company Registered in Scotland No. SC224404. The Scottish Marine Institute © 2000-2012