Amino Acid Geochronology Lab

The Amino Acid Geochronology Laboratory is set up to routinely analyze carbonate fossils using automated high pressure liquid chromatography. This analytical technique is fine tuned to optimize the resolution of L-isoleucine and and its diastereomer D-alloisoleucine. The ratio of all/Ile has been shown to be a reliable index of age and has been widely used for stratigraphic studies. Most of our experience at Umass is with the analysis of foraminifera and of marine and terrestrial mollusks.