Multi-Sensor Core Logger

The Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) requests $202,100 towards the purchase of a multisensory core logger (MSCL) and five sensors (gamma density and porosity, P-wave velocity measurement system, magnetic susceptibility system, and electrical resistivity system). In addition, KGS is committing $80,210 in financial and in-kind contributions for the purchase, installation, service contract, staff time, and training necessary for the practical use of the MSCL. The purchase of an MSCL will provide high-resolution analysis (<1cm) of sediment and rock cores to support energy, mineral exploration, paleoclimate, and agriculture activities. The MSCL data and equipment will be available for research activities by KGS, UK researchers, and other EARL patrons. All data acquired by the MSCL-S will be submitted for registration with Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) and disseminated through the UK Libraries online repository UKnowledge. The DOIs will allow tracking publications from the influx of data created from this equipment. As explained in our proposal, acquiring an MSCL will greatly help numerous current and proposed externally funded projects in energy, climate, archeology, and civil engineering and lay the groundwork for many new funding opportunities through DOE, USGS, NSF, IMLS, and NOAA. Research activities explained in our proposal will provide workforce development opportunities in STEM fields and align with the state’s current energy strategy, KYE3, which focuses on economic development, energy infrastructure, and environmental literacy. The added capabilities of this equipment allow the University of Kentucky to continue to thrive as a highly respected research university in the geological sciences and beyond.