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GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES AT BROWN UNIVERSITY
Research Synopsis: The focus of my research group is to determine the origin, scale, composition and evolution of the heterogeneity in the Earth’s mantle using isotope and trace element geochemistry. One of the simplest ways of mapping the heterogeneity in the mantle is using the geochemistry of oceanic basalts. However, to extract the deep mantle signature from basalts we must first evaluate the effect that the interaction between melts and the oceanic lithosphere plays in modifying the composition of oceanic island and mid-ocean ridges basalts. Recycling processes at subduction zones are considered one of the most important means of generating heterogeneity in the mantle. Thus, we have to understand the role that subduction dynamics plays on regulating the distribution of slab, mantle and crustal components between the volcanic arc and the deep mantle. Our research combines field and laboratory work for the collection and analysis of radiogenic isotope (Sr, Nd, Pb, Hf and U-series) and major, trace and volatile contents of basalts, phenochrysts and melt inclusions. Our analytical work utilizes state-of-the-art instruments such as electron and ion microprobe, thermal ionization mass spectrometer, and multi-collector inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometer, either using sample solution or in-situ laser ablation. |
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