Laboratory of Unconsolidated Materials

The Unconsolidated Materials Laboratory (UML), located in Bologna, via Zamboni 67 (Geology building), is specialized in the extraction and processing of micro/macro fossils, such as foraminifers, ostracods and molluscs, from sediments.

The main treatments carried out in the UML are:

1. sample disaggregation with water and hydrogen peroxide of foraminifers, ostracods and molluscs (Green, 2001);
2. samples quartering for the quantitative analysis of micro/macro fossils assemblage;
3. ultrasonic baths for the fossil cleaning;
4. dried and wet sieving;
5. pretreatment for stable isotope and radiocarbon analysis.

In the Laboratory there is also a room where it is possible to cut core samples.

Equipment available to the laboratory

In addition to the basic equipment the UML is equipped with the following instruments:

• sieving columns;
• splitter;
• ultrasonic bath;
• flow head;
• oven;
• centrifuge;
• precision balance;

Didactic, training and research activities

The laboratory offers its own resources to support:

• practice for first and second cycle degree students in the context of the courses of Paleontology and Micropaleontological Applications to Stratigraphy and Paleoclimatology;
• preparation of degree and PhD theses;
• curricular intership activities;
• development of research projects.

Services and advices:

The Laboratory should be contacted for the preparation and analysis of samples for external users.