The Geochronology and isotope geology laboratory of GSI plays a significant role in facilitating geoscientific research, namely Crustal Evolution, evolution of sedimentary basins through space and time, resolving stratigraphic conflicts, Quaternary geology and neo-tectonics and studies in Antarctica. The laboratory situated at Kolkata is equipped with a VG 54R Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometer. A clean laboratory with class 100 and class 1000 work area and laminar flow hoods are available for sample preparation. In house facilities for the production of ultrapure water and acids (HF, HCL, HNO3) by sub-boiling quartz stills and double teflon bottle distillation; NANOPURE system for ultra pure water also exists. A rock processing laboratory equipped with jaw crushers, sample splitters, TEMA mills, vibrating sieves, Wilfley table, Franz Isodynamic separators heavy liquid separation arrangement and binocular microscopes and a XRF laboratory with Phillips PW1400 Xray Fluorescence machine with IBM computer attachment and high pressure press for the preparation of powder pellets for XRF study completes the whole setup.

GSI has qualified and trained geoscientists to carry out all aspects of isotopic studies.

Services available:

• Geochronological investigation, sample collection and preparation
• XRF analysis of rock sample (Rb, Sr and 10 major elements)
• Radiocarbon dating of Quaternary samples
• Rb-Sr whole rock analysis of geological samples
• U-Pb, Sm-Nd isotopic systematics with multi-collector Sector 54F Mass spectrometer