The Comparative Sedimentology Laboratory (CSL) - Center for Carbonate Research conducts fundamental research for a comprehensive understanding of the processes controlling carbonate systems. To reach this goal, we compare:

• modern and ancient depositional systems, 
• outcrop and subsurface data (reflection seismic, ground penetrating radar, core and logs), and 
• theory and experiments. 

This approach enables us to relate processes to the products in the rock record. In addition, the integration of lithologic, seismic, log and geochemical data with sedimentologic, stratigraphic and diagenetic attributes provides the data base that can be interrogated to address fundamental scientific questions.

Our research program aims to comprehensively cover carbonates exploring new approaches, techniques and emerging topics. To reach this goal, our research projects integrate geology, geophysics, geobiology, and geochemistry and combine observational, laboratory, and theoretical approaches. Most research projects are interdisciplinary, but some are designed to advance knowledge in one specific area. This year the 13 projects are divided into these main topics:

1. Shallow-water carbonates: Mozambique shelf cores

2. Rift basin geology

3. Microbial carbonates and geochemistry

4. chthyocarbonates

5. Carbonate contourite depositional systems

6. Petrophysics

7. Data base of carbonate petrography

In addition to the fundamental knowledge gained from these studies we aim to inform our industrial associates regarding the  newest research techniques that potentially can be incorporated into the workflow of projects or help to solve longstanding problems in a variety of fields.