IGNEOUS, METAMORPHIC AND VOLCANIC STUDIES

• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Iceland; Africa; British Isles and South America; Galapagos; Lava Lakes
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.598.569; http://www.esc.cam.ac.uk/esc/files/Department/teaching/postgraduate/igneous_2009.pdf

Our research is concerned with understanding the processes that are responsible for the evolution of the Earth’s lithosphere and underlying convecting mantle. We also investigate the causes and consequences of volcanic activity. We seek to apply our petrological methods to novel problems in Earth Sciences, such as CO2 storage. • We couple observations of rock textures with theoretical models and the results of laboratory experiments to investigate flow of reactive fluids in rocks and crystal mushes. Current projects include textural studies of the solidification of the Skaergaard and Rum Layered Intrusions, together with studies of crystal-rich nodules entrained in lava flows. • We are developing the fluid dynamical framework needed in the study of mushy layers, which occur whenever a multi-component melt is cooled and solidifies, and of phenomena at basaltic volcanoes, such as lava lakes, fire fountains and melt mixing. • We measure compositional variation within crystals and melt inclusions from volcanic rocks. These observations are used to track the mixing, crystallisation and degassing of melts in magma chambers and volcanic conduits. • We study large explosive eruptions and their effects; the relationships between volcanism, climate and tectonics over a range of timescales. We investigate degassing volcanoes and their gas and particle emissions using a wide variety of techniques, supporting study of the influence of volcanic emissions on the atmosphere and the environment. • We aim to constrain the geodynamic processes involved in melt generation and their relationship to mantle heterogeneity. Systematic studies are currently being undertaken in a wide variety of settings, including modern and ancient continental rifts, mid-ocean ridges and mantle plumes (Galapagos