Research Laboratories DSTPaleontology laboratoriesInvertebrates and Foraminifera Lab

Invertebrates and Foraminifera Lab

Responsible person

Technical manager: Prof Silvia Danise, silvia.danise@unifi.it, Tel 055 2757564

Scientific manager: Prof Adele Bertini, adele.bertini@unifi.it, Tel 055 2757519

 

Description of the activity

In the Invertebrates and Foraminifera Lab. we carry out didactical activities (mostly for undergraduate and master students in palaeontology) and research, mainly in paleoecology and biostratigraphy. We host students working at their thesis, PhD students and research collaborators. Internships are also carried out.

Macro-invertebrates

Preparation of samples for the study of fossil, subfossil and recent macro-invertebrate associations. Volumetric sediment samples (e.g., 0.5-1 litre) are washed with water, through 0.5 or 1 mm sieves. In the case of clay lithologies, a pre-soaking in H₂O₂ can be performed. Quantitative analysis of samples for paleoecological and paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Diversity analysis and multivariate statistical analysis.

Preparation of macro-invertebrate shells for sclerochronology and geochemical studies (e.g., incorporation in epoxy resins). Micro-sampling for stable isotope analysis (e.g., carbon and oxygen) with a 0.3 and 0.7 mm in diameter microdrill.

Foraminifera

Preparation of samples for the study of fossil and recent foraminifera. The preparations are carried out on sediment samples by washing them with H₂O₂ through series of sieves (with meshes from 1 to 0.063 mm). Weak (CH₃COOH) or strong (HCl) acids, in very low concentrations, can also be used. Qualitative, morphological and quantitative analyses of foraminifera associations for bio-chronostratigraphic, paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic reconstructions.

 

Instruments

The laboratory is equipped with the following instrumentation

1. - 1 extractor hood;
2. - 1 oven for drying samples;
3. - 1 precision scale (0,0001g sensitivity);
4. - 1 ultrasonic bath;
5. - 1 small saw with 100 mm blade;
6. - 1 microdrill with points of 0.3 and 0.7 mm;
7. - sieves of various diameters;
8. - glass and plastic beakers;
9. - various glassware

How to access 

Entrance allowed only to authorized personnel and upon request.

 

How to cite

Invertebrates and Foraminifera Lab of the Earth Sciences Department – Università degli Studi di Firenze