Did you know that SEM stands for ‘scanning electron
microscopy’ which allows scientists to take an incredibly close look at the
composition of materials in a various formats (such as rock chips, polished
thin sections and liquids)? The information SEM gives us can contribute towards
mineral identification, textural analysis, fault rock studies, and much more.
I did not know this, unsurprisingly, but now I do! And so do
12 young people from the London
International Youth Science Forum who joined us this Tuesday for a tour of
the BGS. As one of the newer members of staff, I had the chance to accompany
the students on the tour, serving as part route-guide and part extra member!
The students, a mixture of young adults from around the world, were a pleasure
to have with us and really engaged with the talks given by BGS scientists such
as Dr Jeremy Rushton in the SEM
lab and Dr Mike Howe who showed us around the National Geological
Repository (aka the Core Store). (And I didn’t lose a single student so I’m
marking it down as a big success.) We look forward to seeing you again next
year, LIYSF!
SEM in action! |
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