Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
then a sample number. The advantage of this is that the sample
number gives an immediate indication of where it is from
without the need to look at the fi eld notes. Another possibility
is to include the date or part of the date in the sample number
to allow you to easily fi nd the associated fi eld notes. For higher
resolution studies where hundreds of samples are being
collected a different strategy is often required. If the samples
are at particular stratigraphic heights it can be useful to
incorporate the height into the sample number. This makes
handling of the numbers easier in spreadsheets at a later stage.
An abbreviation for the age of the sample, e.g. S for Silurian, or
for the lithostratigraphic name, e.g. BS for Burgess Shale, are
other possibilities to consider including.
13
On the sample itself, provided it is large enough and there is
not going to be a contamination issue, it is useful to record the
sample number and, if applicable, the way up and/or
orientation. On the sample bag or outside of the packing
material itself it is useful to record the following as
appropriate:
•
sample number;
•
cross reference to fi eld notebook page and/or date
collected;
•
location;
•
whether or not the sample is orientated;
•
rock type;
•
associated samples.
13.2 Practical advice
13.2.1 Packing and marking materials
•
Cling fi lm/shrink wrap:
This is very useful for fragile
specimens such as fossils and mudstones. As well as the
obvious advantage of helping to hold the specimen
together the fi lm also retains the moisture in the
sample, allowing it to be dried out under controlled
conditions.
•
Paper:
This is useful to help protect delicate specimens
and for packing. It should not be used in direct contact
with the rocks if the samples are also to be used for
geochemical analysis, particularly organic carbon
analyses.
•
Polythene sample bags:
It is good practice to put each
sample into a new bag to avoid cross-contamination. Most
