I take a multi-disciplinary approach to understand volcanic processes, combining computational skills (GIS, Python, MATLAB), laboratory analysis (SEM, EMPA, Raman Spectroscopy, melt inclusions, mineral chemistry, stable isotopes), and field geology to address questions concerning:
- chemical and magmatic budgets in subduction zones
- the chemical and petrological processes controlling valuable metal concentrations in magmas and ore deposits
- the physical scale and measurement of volcanic processes
Read on for more details about my different research projects concerning (1) magma storage conditions at Slamet and Ijen volcanoes (2) slab dehydration and arc magmatism, (3) mineral mediation of copper contents, (4) chalcophile metal systematics in Indonesia, (5) large igneous provinces, and (6) seafloor volcanism.
Magma storage conditions at Slamet volcano, Central Java, Indonesia
Slamet volcano in Central Java is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. Its main edifice is defined by Strombolian eruptions, and on its eastern flank 30+ scoria cones. We have closely studied the erupted products of Slamet and Gunung Loyang, the most distal scoria cone on Slate’s flank, to understand the lateral and vertical scales of magma mixing within this volcanic complexes magma mush. The manuscript on this work will be submitted soon!
Global Ba/Nb systematics in arc magmas reflect the depths of mineral dehydration in subducted slabs
The transfer of material from subducting slabs to the overlying mantle is one of the most important chemical and tectonic processes regulating Earth’s geochemical cycles. One of the major processes involved in this material cycling is the de-volatilization of the slab. Our recent work, leveraging global arc magma trace element systematics (e.g. Ba/Nb, Th/Nb, Pb/Ce), allows us to pinpoint the characteristic depths of slab dehydration globally. This work involves the use of my recently published arc magma chemistry compilation ArcMetals, and the integration of datasets sourced from metamorphic petrology and geodynamic studies of subduction zones to interpret observed magmatic signals. This work was published in Geology – see below for a link!
Collaborators: Prof. Marie Edmonds, Dr. Helen Williams, Dr. Frances Jenner
Amphibole control on copper systematics in arcs: Insights from the analysis of global datasets
In order to determine which magmatic processes control copper (Cu) abundance in the crust, we compiled a global, multi-factor database of arc magma chemistry, geology, and tectonics. Our model provides an example of the power of Big Data to determine fundamental processes in petrology. This work was originally presented at both the Volcano and Magmatic Studies Group (VMSG) meeting and the virtual Goldschmidt meeting in 2020. Our work was published in Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta – see below for a link!
Collaborators: Prof. Marie Edmonds, Dr. Helen Williams, Dr. Frances Jenner, Dr. Andréas Audetat
Metals in Magmas: Intra-Arc Variations in Volcanic Metals in East Java, Indonesia
I am leading a regional survey of magmatic chemistry in volcanoes across Java, Indonesia. This work combines textural, microanalytical, and isotope analyses in melt inclusions, individual minerals, and whole rock, to better constrain 1) the timing of sulphide vs. vapor saturation in magmas and 2) the optimal tectonic conditions for crustal Cu deposition. I developed this project in partnership with Universitas Gadjah Mada researchers based in Yogyakarta, ID. See this poster (right), which I presented at the fO2 international school in September 2022, for progress on this work
Collaborators: Dr. Agung Harijoko, Dr. Haryo Edi Wibowo, Dr. Gayatri Marliyani, Dr. Esti Handini, Prof. Marie Edmonds, Dr. Helen Williams, Dr. Frances Jenner
How Big Is a Flood Basalt? Calculating the Volume of the Deccan Traps
We compiled and digitized existing geographic data on the thickness and extent of the Deccan Traps, using geographic information systems (GIS) and geostatistical tools to determine the pre- and post-erosional areas and volumes of lava packages. The goal is to provide a geospatially-grounded volume estimate that can inform accurate paleoclimate reconstruction in the Late Cretaceous.
Collaborators: Dr. Loÿc Vanderkluysen and Dr. Anne Jay
Tiltmeter Observations at Axial Seamount
Axial Seamount is the most active submarine volcano in the NE Pacific, located ~300 miles west of the Oregon Coast with a summit depth of 1500 meters. This project aimed to analyze the 3+ years of Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) tiltmeter data recorded before, during, and after the 2015 eruption to better understand the internal plumbing system at the volcano, using MATLAB software to visualize the caldera’ 3D deformation. This work has implications for improving monitoring forecasts at marine volcanoes.
Supervised by Dr. Bill Chadwick
Nicholas D. Barber, PhD 