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Analyzing ancient sediments

Research Assistant Skye Moret-Ferguson of the Geology & Geophysics department prepares a core for analysis in the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) core scanner. The scanner, which produces nondestructive, high-resolution elemental analysis, x-radiography and digital photos of split sediment cores, reveals intimate details of the composition of ancient mud and rock, which can contain a variety of clues about past climate and environmental conditions on Earth.

(Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)