 |
 |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|||||||
| |||||||
| RESEARCH | |||
|
|||
|
SOLID EARTH CHEMISTRY
 INTRODUCTION Studies of the solid Earth form an integral part of the research enterprise at GRD. Research themes span a wide range of topics from various aspects of Earth's history and chemical evolution to understanding different processes occurring within or on the solid Earth. The majority of studies involve detailed field-based collection of rocks and fluids coupled with state-of-the-art laboratory preparation and analyses. Measurements are undertaken either in the laboratories of individual researchers or within the Scripps Analytical Facility.
Examples of the types of research currently underway include the geochemical and isotopic analysis of meteorites and impact deposits (Lugmair/Shukolyukov>) as a means to model the development of the early Earth. Old rocks are also the focus of studies aimed at understanding the emergence of life on Earth - both the chronology of life on our planet and the conditions which promoted its development
Arrhenius, Bada). Considerable work is being carried out on the geochemistry of rocks and fluids from different tectonic environments. To this end, targeted regions for intensive study include ocean islands (Hilton, Macdougall, Castillo), mid-ocean ridges (Castillo, Macdougall), volcanic arcs (Hawkins, Hilton, Castillo) and back-arc basins (Hawkins, Hilton). Complementary studies are targeting old oceanic crust (Castillo), seamounts (Castillo, Hawkins), ophiolite complexes (Hawkins) and xenoliths (Hilton). Geochemical and isotopic analysis of igneous rocks erupted in these environments provide information on the nature and characteristics of the Earth's mantle including its interaction history with material recycled into the mantle via subduction zones.
Another research theme focuses on processes associated with igneous activity. Types of studies include magma chamber differentiation processes (Macdougall, Castillo), geothermal phenomenon (Hilton) and partitioning behavior of elements between fluids and melts (Castillo). Quantitative studies of petrofabrics (Gee) and the structure and dynamics of crystals (Arrhenius) are also topics of current interest.
People: Lugmair, Shukolyukov, Macdougall, Castillo, Hilton, Bada, Hawkins, Arrhenius
|
|
||
 |
 |