Geochemical analyses on board the JOIDES Resolution have been enhanced with the addition of a Jobin-Yvon Ultrace inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) as an upgrade from the previous X-ray fluorescence facility. During Leg 199, we sought to both challenge and utilize the capabilities of the ICP-AES in order to provide an extensive bulk-sediment geochemical database during the cruise. These near real-time analyses were then used to help characterize the recovered sedimentary sequences, calculate mass accumulation rates of the different sedimentary components, and assist with cruise and postcruise sampling requests. The general procedures, sample preparation techniques, and basic protocol for ICP-AES analyses on board ship are outlined by Murray et al. (2000) in Ocean Drilling Program Tech Note, 29. We expand on those concepts and offer suggestions for ICP-AES methodology, calibration by standard reference materials, data reduction procedures, and challenges that are specific to the analysis of bulk-sediment samples. During Leg 199, we employed an extensive bulk-sediment analytical program of ~600 samples of varying lithologies, thereby providing several opportunities for refinement of techniques. We also discuss some difficulties and challenges that were faced and suggest how to alleviate such occurrences for sedimentary chemical analyses during future legs.
1Examples of how to reference the whole or part of this volume can be found under "Citations" in the preliminary pages of the volume.
2Department of Earth Sciences, Boston University, Boston MA 02215, USA. quintin@bu.edu
3Department of Geological & Environmental Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford CA 94305-2115, USA.
4Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick NJ 08901, USA.
5Ocean Drilling Program, Texas A&M University, College Station TX
77845-9547, USA.
6Department of Earth Sciences, Boston University, Boston MA 02215, USA.
7Shipboard Scientific Party addresses can be found under "Shipboard Scientific Party" in the preliminary pages of the volume.
Ms 199IR-107