Welcome to the Organic Petrology Group
The Organic Petrology Group in the Department of Geology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is led by Dr. Sue M. Rimmer and includes both undergraduate and graduate students. We have a variety of research interests in both coals and shales and work on projects that have been funded by NSF, ICCI (Illinois Clean Coal Institute), and industry. Over the years, students trained by Dr. Rimmer have gone on to work in government and industry.
The lab's research currently focuses on several areas including: organic maturation and heating rate (contact metamorphism vs. burial maturation); density-gradient centrifugation (DGC) separation of macerals in coals and kerogen; oil shale and gas shale petrography and geochemistry (e.g., New Albany and Ohio shales), emphasizing trace element redox indicators; controls on stable isotope composition of organic matter (OM) and interpretation of C and N isotope records in organic-rich sediments and coals; and linkages between OM and past atmospheric composition.
The lab's research currently focuses on several areas including: organic maturation and heating rate (contact metamorphism vs. burial maturation); density-gradient centrifugation (DGC) separation of macerals in coals and kerogen; oil shale and gas shale petrography and geochemistry (e.g., New Albany and Ohio shales), emphasizing trace element redox indicators; controls on stable isotope composition of organic matter (OM) and interpretation of C and N isotope records in organic-rich sediments and coals; and linkages between OM and past atmospheric composition.
For more information, please contact Sue Rimmer at 618-453-7369 or srimmer@siu.edu
