The Amino Acid Geochronology Laboratory is set up to routinely analyze carbonate fossils using automated high pressure liquid chromatography. This analytical technique is fine tuned to optimize the resolution of L-isoleucine and and its diastereomer D-alloisoleucine. The ratio of all/Ile has been shown to be a reliable index of age and has been widely used for stratigraphic studies. Most of our experience at Umass is with the analysis of foraminifera and of marine and terrestrial mollusks.
