Microscopy and Microanalysis in Geological and Archaeological Sciences (Online Event)
“Microscopy and Microanalysis in Geological and Archaeological Sciences” is a virtual event on 9-10 November 2021 from RMS (Royal Microscopical Society). It’s free to attend (registration required).
Microscopy and Microanalysis in Geological and Archaeological Sciences
Microscopic imaging and microanalysis are widely used in geological (including planetary) and archaeological sciences, including 2D and 3D characterisation with optical and electron microscopy, further image analysis and in-situ microanalytical techniques including X-ray energy dispersive and wavelength dispersive spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence, electron backscatter diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy and many more.
This event aims to discuss the various approaches used in geological research, with a focus on microscopy and microanalysis.
Archaeological applications include:
- Understanding past environments
- Diet and health
- Forensic analysis
- Site activity and features
- Conservation of materials
Geological applications include:
- Understanding terrestrial and extra-terrestrial igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary processes
- Climate change and geo-environmental studies
- Mining
- Ore petrology
This virtual event will showcase research that uses microscopy and/or microanalysis of common geological and archaeological materials, including minerals, glasses, metals, ceramics and bones. Interdisciplinary methods and working practices will be shared from a wide range of research areas. Particular attention will be paid to investigations that use microscopic or microanalytical data quantitatively and forensically to answer new research questions.
Submit an Abstract
Submit an abstract to present your work at the online conference. Abstracts are welcome from a wide range of research areas, including interdisciplinary methods. Particular attention will be paid to investigations that use microscopic or microanalytical data quantitatively and forensically to answer new research questions.
The deadline for abstracts is Friday 8 October 2021. Submission details are available on the RMS website.
Programme
The full programme will be available on the RMS website. The event includes 3 minute flash talks, submitted talks, poster sessions, techno bites and coffee breaks.
Each day will run from 1pm until 4:45pm GMT.
Come to our Workshop
We’ll be holding a 1 hour workshop:
Axia ChemiSEM: A new way to analyse geological and archeological samples with SEM-EDX
Wednesday 10th November 2021, 11:15am -12:15pm GMT
The Axia ChemiSEM combines SEM and EDS for fully quantitative, live chemical imaging in real time. Colour maps are superimposed onto the grayscale image for easy-to-interpret data that includes chemical information.
This approach is particularly useful in the micro-analysis of geological and archeological samples. Varying elemental content and foreign elements are often present, but the exact variations and locations are often unknown. With Axia ChemiSEM, samples can be navigated and examined quickly and easily; chemical information is always accessible, rather having to stop and analyse.
In the workshop the theory of this technique will be explained, followed by a live demonstration of samples including geological thin sections, bones, ancient coins and others.
Workshop registration
Workshops are free for conference delegates – register for the conference to receive details on how to attend.
Registration
The online event will take place on 9-10 November 2021. It’s free to attend (registration required).
Register now on the RMS website and you’ll receive a link to join the online event:
Instruments for Geology
We offer a range of instruments for geology and geoscience:
Micro-XRF
Elemental analysis and mapping. Study element distribution, grains and line scans.
Micro-CT
Non-destructive 3D internal imaging with sub-micron resolution. Measure porosity, mineral distribution, dynamic processes and more.
APT and SIMS
Atom Probe Tomography is the only materials analysis technique offering extensive capabilities for both 3D imaging and chemical composition measurement at the atomic scale. SIMS is the most sensitive elemental and isotopic surface microanalysis technique.
Entry-level SEM
Desktop and entry-level Scanning Electron Microscopy from our new partner Thermo Scientific, including colour SEM which features EDS element mapping.
Articles about Geology
Take a look at these articles and see how these techniques can be used for geology…
More Information
Blue Scientific is the official distributor of a cutting-edge portfolio of scientific instruments systems in the UK and Nordic region. If you’d like any information about our instruments for geology and geoscience, please get in touch:
