A sledge microtome for high resolution subsampling of freeze cores

Abstract

We describe a sledge microtome designed for the high-resolution subsampling of freeze cores. This inexpensive freeze-core microtome is capable of producing precise subsamples at mm to sub-mm resolution without sediment loss and cross-contamination. Such a subsampling resolution permits recognition of sub-decadal to annual events even in systems with low sedimentation rates. The freeze-core microtome is particularly useful for obtaining high-resolution subsamples at the environmentally important sediment-water interface due to freeze corers being capable of capturing this boundary with minimal disturbance as compared to other coring methods.