Magmatic processes and mantle dynamics

Understanding the interactions between upwelling plumes and slabs, phase transitions, and topography on the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary using a combination of petrology, geochemistry, geophysics, and geodynamic modelling .

Key staff: Professor Godfrey Fitton, Dr Lara Kalnins  

Developing new models for the formation of long-lived intraplate (hotspot) magmatism where a plume is unlikely to be involved, such as the Cameroon line in West Africa. The role of mantle plumes in intraplate (hotspot) magmatism. We seek to understand the full range of hotspot mechanisms through a combination of petrology, geochemistry, geophysics and geodynamic modelling.

Key staff: Professor Godfrey Fitton, Dr Alan Hastie, Dr Lara Kalnins, Professor Linda Kirstein 

Understanding how the strength and rheology of the lithosphere evolve and interact with both surface and mantle processes, particularly volcanism. We study these processes both through global studies and regional studies targeting interactions between key lithospheric structures, such as extinct spreading ridges, and volcanism.

Key staff: Dr Lara Kalnins

Formation of ocean island basalts and recycling of volatiles into the deep mantle. Through a combination of in situ isotope measurements (boron, carbon, water) and trace element concentrations of glasses and melt inclusions from a global array of ocean island basalts, we aim to track the evolution of mantle heterogeneity through time.

Key staff: Dr Cees-Jan De Hoog

Investigation of the impact halogens and volatile phases have on the rheology and explosive behaviour of magmas using a combination of techniques to understand features such as volcanic spherules and preserved textures, providing insights into relationships between degassing, supercritical fluids and volcanic plumes. 

Key staff: Professor Linda Kirstein

Petrological data is used to determine the composition of the Earth’s mantle plumes and the lowermost mantle so that we can better understand how the Earth’s primitive mantle reservoirs initially formed and how they have evolved over the last 4.6 billion years.

Key staff: Dr Alan Hastie 

Investigation of the magmatic processes that formed the Caribbean oceanic plateau and understanding how it ultimately evolved into the Caribbean tectonic plate between North and South America.

Key staff: Dr Alan Hastie