Experimental Petrology
Contact: Dr. Cici Cruz-Uribe
The experimental petrology laboratory here at UMaine is home to a Bristol-style piston cylinder apparatus, nicknamed Betty. The piston cylinder allows us to simulate the pressure and temperature conditions of the crust and upper mantle of the earth. With this press, we can investigate the petrology and geochemistry of mineral and melting reactions that occur in many types of geologic settings.
The experimental lab set-up is currently underway. Click on the videos below to see how we were able to move this 600 kg steel press into the lab and lift it onto the table by hoisting it from the steel structure of the building!