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Laboratories

By Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center

GECSC is home to a number of cutting-edge laboratories that support the research conducted by scientists in our Center as well as our partners and collaborators in other USGS science centers, DOI, other state and federal agencies, and universities. We apply state-of-the-art analytical techniques to characterize physical, chemical, and biological components.

    • A down valley view of the East River from the 401 Trail, with Gothic Mountain and Mt. Crested Butte visible in the distance

      Earth Systems Biogeochemistry Laboratory

      The ESB laboratory supports the study of the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and other elements and nutrients in soils, sediments, rocks, and surface- and groundwaters through physical and chemical analyses. 

    • Quaternary Paleobotany Laboratory at the Denver Federal Center

      Quaternary Paleobotany Laboratory

      Our lab conducts paleoecological research through the study of plant remains preserved in the sediments of lacustrine, fluvial, and wetland environments.  Cores extracted from these settings contain sediments deposited over thousands of years during the late Quaternary.  Plant remains found within the cores provide records of past vegetation and environmental change.

    • Low-Temperature Calibration Facility

      Low-Temperature Calibration Facility

      The USGS Low-Temperature Calibration Facility, located at the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) in Boulder Colorado, provides temperature-sensor calibration services for Department of Interior projects, NOAA, and NSF-funded polar projects.

    • Shared instrument lab

      Denver Radiogenic Isotope Lab

      DRIL is a cooperatively-funded mass spectrometry laboratory located on the Denver Federal Center campus in Denver, Colorado.

    • Mineralogy and Microscopy Laboratory at GECSC

      Mineralogy and Microscopy Laboratory

      The Mineralogy and Microscopy Laboratory in the Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver Colorado, supports the investigation of mineralogical components of sediments and whole rock materials.

    • Soils and Sediment Laboratory

      Soils and Sediment Laboratory

      The Soils and Sediment Laboratory in the Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Denver Colorado, supports the study of soils, sediments, and rocks through physical and chemical analyses.

    • Luminescence Dating Laboratory

      Luminescence Dating Laboratory

      Welcome to the USGS Luminescence Dating Laboratory Site. Information describing the principles of the dating technique, applications and types of dating, as well as more technical information for prospective customers can be found at this site.