Available online
Description
This programme introduces students to Micropalaeontology and Palynology, and shows that the use of microfossils is an important technique in stratigraphy. dr. Chris wilson visits Robertson Research... Laboratories in North Wales, and looks at the techniques for extracting microfossils from borehole samples, and their use in dating material from the North Sea. Several of the micropalaentologists at Robertson research talk about aspects of their work. Microfossils are used to date and correlate boreholes, but they can be used to determine various sedimentary environments, and to indicate the maturation of hydrocarbons. At present their use is almost entirely confined to the Oil Industry, but the programme ends with the suggestion that they could be used in other fields.
This programme introduces students to Micropalaeontology and Palynology, and shows that the use of microfossils is an important technique in stratigraphy. dr. Chris wilson visits Robertson Research... Laboratories in North Wales, and looks at the techniques for extracting microfossils from borehole samples, and their use in dating material from the North Sea. Several of the micropalaentologists at Robertson research talk about aspects of their work. Microfossils are used to date and correlate boreholes, but they can be used to determine various sedimentary environments, and to indicate the maturation of hydrocarbons. At present their use is almost entirely confined to the Oil Industry, but the programme ends with the suggestion that they could be used in other fields.
| Module code and title: | S333, Earth science topics and methods |
|---|---|
| Item code: | S333; 09 |
| First transmission date: | 12-06-1976 |
| Published: | 1976 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:25:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Peter Clark |
| Contributors: | Jean Bagnall; Bob Cummings; Mike Fisher; Les Riley; Chris Wilson |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Borehole samples; Maturation of hydrocarbons; Micropalaeontology; North Sea; North Wales; Oil industry; Palynology; Robertson research; Sedimentary environments; Stratigraphy |
| Footage description: | Chris Wilson introduces the programme. Shots of several plant and animal fossil microorganisms. Chris Wilson, at Robertson Research International, North Wales, explains how core samples containing microfossils are prepared for examination. Film shots of the samples arriving by car, being washed and being sorted. Wilson discusses some of the problems of collecting microfossils for study. Jean Bagnall, micro-palaeontologist at Robertson Research, explains how she goes about identifying microfossils from core samples. Shots of several microfossils, under magnification, while she talks. Wilson briefly sums up the work of a micropalaeontologist. Wilson explains the technique of chemically separating microfossils from core samples. Shots of the technique being used at the Robertson Research Palynology Laboratory. Les Riley, a palynologist, points out what is involved in the work of a palynologist. Shots of several microfossils, mainly plinimorphs, under magnification as he talks. Riley explains how he determines the age and the environment in which the organism lived. Chris Wilson introduces Mike Fisher, Chief Palynologist at Robertson Research. Mike Fisher explains how microfossils are used to give clues concerning the source and origin of oil. He looks at several samples under magnification. Bob Cummings, Managing Director, Robertson Research, and Chris Wilson discuss the future of work with the fossils, particularly in the North Sea. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72066 |
| Production number: | FOU1527D |
| Videofinder number: | 1375 |
| Available to public: | no |
