Meet the Scientists and Crew!

Dominique Weis

Canada Research Chair in the Geochemistry of the Earth's Mantle
Professor, University of British Columbia

I was born, raised and educated in Belgium, with post-docs at the Institut de Physique du Globe in Paris and the California Institute of Technology. Since 2002, I am a Professor and CRC Tier I at UBC where I also direct the Pacific Centre for Isotope and Geochemical Research. My research focuses on the application of geochemical tools to the understanding of how the Earth works and on how it evolves with time. Recently, I have started working on the Hawaiian plume system to model the structure of the plume conduit and mantle geodynamics.

University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Home page; http://www.eos.ubc.ca/about/faculty/D.Weis.html

Reason for joining cruise. My research focuses on the application of geochemical tools to the understanding of how the Earth works and on how it evolves with time. Recently, I have started working on the Hawaiian plume system to model the structure of the plume conduit and mantle geodynamics. The northern Hawaiian islands represent a key area to study some of the earlier products of the Hawaiian mantle plume as well as rejuvenated volcanism.

Educational background. B.S. Geology and Mineralogy, ULB 1979; Ph.D. Sciences, ULB 1982; MS. Environmental Sciences, ULB 1983; Habilitation Geochemistry, ULB, 1992
ULB is Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.

Post-docs; Maitre-Assistant Associe, University of Paris VII, France 1983-1984; Post-doctoral Fellow, California Institute of Technology, USA 1985-1986

General Research Interests and Current Research Programs:
Distribution of elements and isotopes in Earth systems with emphasis on the use of abundances and isotopic ratios in earth (petrology/volcanology/geochronology) and environmental sciences and in defining the source and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks, the interactions between different reservoirs (mantle, crust and atmosphere) and the role of tectonic settings; geochemical and isotopic
studies of sedimentary rocks, global changes and reconstitution of past environments; distribution of pollutants in natural and anthropogenic systems; application of non-traditional heavy stable to environmental issues and analytical technique developments.

What you like about going to sea? When I was a teenager, I read a book, "Planet
Ocean", that triggered my fascination for scientific research and being at sea. This is
also why I studied geology as I figured that 2/3 of the Earth being covered by oceans, there was still a lot to discover. My first expedition at sea to go to the Kerguelen Islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean (in the so-called "roaring fifties") validated that choice. I simply love being at sea, looking at the horizon, working hard and sharing that experience with a group of people with common fascination. The ability to explore somewhat unknown territories is a very enthusiastic experience.

What you like best about being a scientist? There is lot to like about being a scientist. Working with motivated students and sharing experience and interest is a very positive experience. A scientist defines its own research interests and carefully choose the areas where he/she carries research. This provides a sense of freedom that is rare in our society.

Presented by the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at the University of Hawaii, with financial support from the National Science Foundation.