Described briefly below are recent or ongoing research projects that I have been involved with.

This project combines olivine– and plagioclase hosted melt inclusions with U-series disequilibria to examine rates and mechanisms of crustal assimilation for several basaltic systems, including the Ice Springs Flow, Utah and Paricutin, Mexico

Since the initiation of the current eruption in 2004 I have been collaborating with and volunteering for the Cascade Volcano Observatory.  Recently, in conjunction with Adam Kent at Oregon State University and Carl Thornber (USGS) I’ve been working to identify volatile transfer and movement within the shallow magma plumbing system beneath MSH using fluid mobile trace elements and Li isotopes within plagioclase and amphibole phenocyrsts.

 

In addition to helping to create a database of ash collected from the ongoing eruption I have analyzed plagioclase, amphibole, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene and glass to identify juvenile material in the initial phreatic eruptions.

From whole rock, major-, trace-, and isotopic data, working with my senior thesis advisor (John Wolff, Washington State University), and a host of others, we have developed a model for the genesis and evolution of the Jemez Mountains Volcanic Field (JMVF) leading up to the eruption of the Bandelier Ignimbrites.

Using volatile and trace element concentrations in olivine hosted melt inclusions we are attempting to constrain the nature and degree of lithospheric enrichment in Rio Grande Rift basalts resulting from the subduction of the Farallon Plate.  An additional concern is distinguishing between crustal contamination and lithospheric variability in basaltic compositions. This work is in collaboration with John Lassiter at University of Texas.

Assessing mechanisms and rates of crustal assimilation and fractionation from compositional heterogeneity in monogenetic eruptions

Jemez Mountain Volcanic Field, NM

Mount St. Helens, WA

Crustal and Lithospheric signatures in Rio Grand Rift basalts

Research Projects (Under Construction)

My first project as a geology student!  This study entailed field mapping and drill core logging in addition to whole rock major and trace element analysis and microprobe analysis of skarn minerals (garnet and pyroxene) to relate skarn mineralization to one of several intrusive bodies buried beneath the Columbia River Flood basalts.

Using major-, trace-, and volatile– elements and sulfur speciation from olivine hosted melt inclusions (in conjunction with whole rock major and trace elements and olivine oxygen isotopes) I’ve modeled the potential influence of a subduction component originating from the downgoing Juan de Fuca slab on the oxidation state and volatile content of the basalts and attempted to estimate the mantle source fO2.

 

Several related projects originating from this study include looking at anomalously high Fe melt inclusions from an absarokite and conducting experimental studies on sulfur speciation in olivine hosted melt inclusions.

Melt Inclusions from the Oregon Cascades

Little Bear Creek Cu Skarn

Rowe and Meinert (2004)