Merapi photo Current Research Projects

We use field, analytical, and experimental methods to study magmas as they accumulate in crustal storage regions, mix and equilibrate with other magmas, ascend during volcanic eruptions, and are emplaced on the surfaces of Earth and other planets. Our interest in constraining and utilizing the differences in the rates of magmatic processes links the disciplines of physical volcanology, petrology, crystallography, and materials characterization. The Experimental Petrology laboratory is capable of studying both natural and synthetic materials of geological importance at high temperatures (600–1700°C) at pressures corresponding to a depth range in the Earth’s crust of 0–12 km (1 bar to 4 kbar).

 

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Magma decompression and crystallization

Relevant to:

  • eruption of evolved, hydrous arc magmas
  • interpretation of volcanic processes from rock microtextures

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Combined petrologic and rock-magnetism study of synthetic Martian basalts

Relevant to:

  • source of intense magnetic anomalies on Mars
  • magnetic properties of basalts crystallized at known cooling rate and oxygen fugacity

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Crystal growth in magmas

Relevant to:

  • Maui ankaramite and clinopyroxene thermobarometry
  • crystal clustering in igneous rocks
  • dendrite morphologies and shape evolution through time

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Textural analysis of experimental and natural volcanic materials

Relevant to:

  • mechanisms of explosive eruptions
  • magma cooling rate speedometry

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Factors that affect UVVIS color in synthetic lunar mare basalts

Relevant to:

More info? Click here.

 

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