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Dept. of Geology & Geophysics
University of Hawaii 2525 Correa Rd. Honolulu, HI 96822 email: garcia@soest.hawaii.edu phone: 808-956-6641 fax: 956-2538 |
Current Position (since 1988): Professor of Geology
Education
B.A., Geology, California State University at Humboldt, 1971
Field Camp in Colorado, University of Kansas, 1970
Ph.D. Geology, UCLA, 1976
Professional Experience
Appointed assistant Professor, Geology and Geophysics Dept., Univ. of Hawaii, 1976
Associate Professor, Geology and Geophysics Dept., Univ. of Hawaii, 1983
Visiting Associate Professor, UCSB, 1982-83
Visiting Professor, M.I.T., 1988
Visiting Scholar, Macquarie University, Australia, 1996
I was born and raised in coastal southern California and thus, developed a love for working outside and near the ocean. I attended Humboldt State to specialize in coastal processes but switched to metamorphic petrology during my senior year and attended UCLA for graduate school. Gradually, I ultrametamorphosed to an igneous petrologist during the 1970's because of the excitement related to plate tectonics. The study of volcanic rocks were an important piece of the puzzle that helped demonstrate the universal application of this paradigm to understanding the Earth. My Ph.D. dissertation focused on establishing criteria for the recognition of ancient island arcs in the rock record. Since joining the University of Hawaii, I have concentrated on hotspot volcanism and lately on the active Hawaiian volcanoes, Kilauea, Mauna Loa and Loihi.
My current research is focused on understanding how volcanoes work. Specifically, I am using the mineralogy and geochemistry of lavas to delineate the magmatic plumbing systems of volcanoes. Basaltic lavas provide essential clues into their subterranean history and are one of our best "windows" into the mantle.
Active volcanoes are a particularly important site for study because we can combine many different types of research (e.g., petrology, deformation, earthquakes, gas chemistry, field observations) to better understand how these volcanoes work. This type of cooperative study is essential if we are to be able to predict volcanic eruptions beter in the future. It also of use to those finding ore deposits associated with volcanoes (e.g., gold). My research takes me to the active flows on Kilauea and Mauna Loa and into submersibles to examine the submarine flanks of these volcanoes and their young submarine sister, Loihi.
Current Research Projects
Students (both undergraduates and graduates) play an active and critical role in these research activities. They are involved in field work (both on land and at sea) and laboratory analyses using a wide variety of analytical tools that are available at the University of Hawaii (Electron Microprobe, TIMS, ICP-MS, and XRF).
Past Research Projects
A listing of my publications is available on line.
I teach at all levels within the university; from undergraduate, nonmajor introductory labs (GG101L) and junior-level igneous petrology (GG302-rocks) to graduate level courses in igneous petrology (GG603) and seminars in special topics (e.g., GG733-Cenozoic evolution of California with field trip). I taught the undergraduate field geology course for 10 years, and have taught Structural geology. Teaching is what makes working at a university fun and exciting.
Professional Service
Hawaii Center for Volcanology home page
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Page last modified on: 19 May 1996