Facilities are used to carry out research around the globe ranging from the tropics to the polar regions allowing us to investigate both modern and ancient environments. Using a wide range of analytical equipment we focus on advancing our understanding of past and present climates and environments, as well as geochemical processes in water, soil and air. Users have access to an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer, inductively-coupled mass spectrometer, and C/N analyser interfaced with a range of peripherals which allow measurement of elements and stable isotopes in a wide range of media. There are dedicated spaces for chemical extraction microfossils such as pollen and diatoms, and equipment for processing various types of samples, from speleothems to sediments to ambient air.

 

Equipment:

• Delta V Advantage Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer

• Flash 2000 Elemental Analyser

• Perkin Elemer Optima 8000 Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Mass Spectrometer

• Los Gatos Ultraportable Grennhouse Gas Analyser

• High Precision Micromill

• Centrifuges

• Refrigeration and Fume Hoods

 

Viewing our Facilities and Equipment:

Come and see the Geography Palaeo and Environmental Research Laboratory for yourself at one of our Open Days.

 

Geography Research:

The Department hosts state-of-the-art equipment used for a wide range of geochemical and environmental applications. New investment in facilities enable staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students to investigate exiting new areas of research in collaboration with many international and UK institutions. Examples of research includes pollen and diatom analysis, carbon sequestration in lakes, methane and carbon dioxide emissions from permafrost, pollution and links with environmental health, and cave stalagmites as palaeoclimate indicators. 

 

Studying Geography at Northumbria:

Studying for a Geography related undergraduate or postgraduate degree with Northumbria University will give you the opportunity to investigate the wide range of economic, environmental, social, political and cultural processes impacting upon today's world and help develop solutions to these problems.