EMU Infrastructure for Scientific Collections: acquisition of equipment for storage and imaging of geological core samples, the São Paulo State Core Repository (SPCoRe)

• Grant number: 22/11612-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Collections
• Start date: June 01, 2023
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Geology
• Principal Investigator: Ricardo Ivan Ferreira da Trindade
• Grantee: Ricardo Ivan Ferreira da Trindade
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Michel Michaelovitch de Mahiques ; Paulo César Boggiani
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/05611-2 - Installation, operation and complete digitalisation of legacy sample cores, sub-samples and thin-sections, BP.TT; 24/04407-2 - Building and managing the digital database of the SPCoRe, BP.TT

Abstract

Scientific drilling projects are an essential element of modern geosciences to access samples and to monitor active processes that cannot be addressed by other means. Each drilling project is planned to target specific and relevant scientific questions and generates hundreds of meters of cylindrical samples of rocks or sediments (cores). These cores need to be appropriately archived in specialized facilities called "core repositores", which are conceived to organize and maintain the sediment and rock core samples, as well as the data extracted from them. This proposal intends to create the first core repository in São Paulo with the appropriate infrastructure to store rock or sediment cores, particularly organic-rich rocks and sediments that require a refrigerated environment. The SPCoRe facility will consist of a 200 sqm refrigerated room with movable rack systems, and will be complemented by core and thin-section digitalization devices. Given the growing demand for a proper storage of drill cores due to the ongoing drilling projects funded by Fapesp and other agencies, this project will have a significant impact on the geosciences in the State of São Paulo by allowing the proper storage and characterization of highly significant geological material collected in the continent and marine settings. (AU)