Petrography is a powerful tool to investigate rocks samples and loose preparates. By means of a microscope we characterize the morphology, texture and mineralogy of the components as well as to describe post-depositional features (diagenesis). This enables us to perform environmental, biostratigraphic and stable isotope analyses, as well as pore-system evolution studies. Additionally we use Digital Image Analysis to quantify sedimentary fabrics and pore space structures.

In our petrophysics lab, we aim to unravel the complicated relationship between porosity and permeability in sedimentary rocks, reconstruct the origin and modification of the analyzed pore system throughout its paragenetic evolution, and precisely detect small-scale heterogeneities of petrophysical properties. Such detailed and comprehensive pore system analysis does not only complement to the understanding of the depositional and diagenetic rock-forming processes, but is of absolute essence …

The sediment processing laboratory is a space for preparing marine and non-marine sedimentary samples for microscopy and other analyses, which require individual components or fabric specific analysis (e.g., Mass Spectrometry, trace metals, isotope studies…). Preparation methods include separating and picking of biogenic particles, thin section dying techniques, sieving for granulometry, and creating smear slides and acetate peels.