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Centre for Micromorphology

The Centre for Micromorphology is the product of a unique collaborative initiative developed by Royal Holloway, University of London, and Queen Mary, University of London. It builds on research expertise in both institutions in the microscopic study of soils and sediments, and has recently been supported by major SRIF investment in state of the art laboratories, including the provision of a microtomograph (allowing the 3D imaging of samples) and investment in high-precision grinding machinery (for the production of thin section slides). The suite of laboratories within the Centre provides a world-class research facility in micromorphology within the University of London.

Micromorphology is a technique that enables earth scientists to study the microscopic structure, constituents and alteration phenomena of soft sediments. It involves the production of thin slides from soft sediment samples for microscopic examination and was originally developed for the detailed study of soil properties. More recently it has been shown to have wide application and potential in, for example, archaeology, sedimentary geology, ecology and environmental reconstruction. Soft sediments often contain a complex set of microscopic features that provide vital clues about past environments. Recent examples of innovative research at Royal Holloway and Queen Mary using this approach include

• identification of fossil (relict) soils in Britain that show evidence of having developed in a warm, Mediterranean-type climate
• demonstration that sediments from the floor of the North Sea have been compressed by an overburden of glacial ice, in areas not previously considered to have been glaciated
• development of a method for precisely dating past environmental events in Britain, by identification of annually-layered lake sediments.

The Centre aims to provide support for innovative research in the study of environmental change, and to develop further applications of micromorphology and microtomography in sedimentological and geomorphological research. The Centre also seeks to provide training for researchers in cognate fields.

In 2007-8, the Centre is developing new PhD research projects in two areas:

• the palaeoenvironmental record of complex soil carbonates in the Mediterranean Basin
• the use of 3D tomographic imaging in studying the internal structure of glacial sediments

Further information on the bachground and rationale for the centre.