The Kane Oceanic Core Complex (OCC) is a valuable window into crustal architecture and chemical composition of the lithosphere beneath a slow-spreading ocean ridge. A suite of > 30 samples (comprised of whole rocks, mineral separates and basalt glasses) has been analyzed for ³He/⁴He isotope ratios and He concentrations. Gas...
This investigation focuses on gaining a better understanding of the complex relationship between melt generation, source variability and mid-ocean ridge morphology. The approach adopted here uses a variety of geochemical techniques to evaluate the ability of 'global' models to predict regional scale geochemical variability associated with axial depth and axial...
Understanding magmatic processes occurring at depth in magmatic systems is fundamental for a more complete understanding of the variations sampled in lavas erupted from these systems on the Earth's surface. This thesis presents the results of detailed trace element analyses of plagioclase and clinopyroxene phenocrysts measured by laser ablation-inductively coupled...
This research incorporates geochemical and helium isotopic analyses of Lau Basin volcanic glasses, along with helium isotopic analyses of water column hydrothermal plumes to better understand the processes that control the formation and evolution of this backarc basin. Lavas newly collected from the four southernmost segments of the Valu Fa...
Earth’s mantle extends to nearly 3000 km depth, comprises >80 % of Earth’s total volume, and has the largest influence on the primordial and radiogenic heat budget. Despite its importance, the structure and composition of the mantle is still debated. There are three primary models for Earth’s mantle structure that...
The High Lava Plains province (HLP) of southeastern Oregon is a Miocene to Recent volcanic upland characterized by widespread basaltic volcanism and west-migrating rhyolitic volcanism. New ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar ages for HLP rhyolites demonstrate that the trend of migrating rhyolitic volcanism is robust, reflecting westward migration at a rate of -35 km/m.y....