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Merging Particle Physics and Earth Science to develop a new tool to constrain the physical and chemical properties of LLVPs This NSF-funded project will bring together particle physics and geology to leverage the sensitivity of neutrinos to molecular structure and matter density of Earth's interior. In collaboration with the Laboratoire de Astroparticule et Cosmologie in Paris, France, we are working to develop a novel multi-detector framework for the emerging field of Neutrino Oscillation Tomography. We will combine this framework with existing geophysical and mineralogical data to yield a new, interdisciplinary tool for constraining LLVP composition and density.
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Contributions of hotspot volcanism to the Miocene carbon cycle Using Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) to constrain the magnitude of the volcanic hotspot source, the Columbia River Basalts carbon dioxide degassing, the rate of silicate weathering, and changes in the burial rate of organic carbon to assess the role of these parameters in the Miocene carbon cycle. In this project, we integrate a box model for the global carbon cycle and phosphorus inventory (Goto et al., 2023) with recent estimates of the volcanic output along ten Miocene-age hotspot tracks (Morrow et al., 2021), the benthic record of δ13C and 187Os/188Os in seawater, and atmospheric CO2 estimates from proxy data. Using a sequential Monte Carlo approach, we find that variability in hotspot degassing globally may be important to understanding changes in the Miocene. Looking forward, we plan to improve constraints on hotspots volcanism during the Miocene to improve our understanding of this enigmatic period.
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As above so below: Quantifying the role of simultaneous LLSVPs and continents on Earth's cooling history (NSF Funded): With similar size and boundary coverage, LLSVPs could be acting as thermal counterparts to continents by diminishing the impacts of continental insulation on Earth’s mantle. In collaboration with fellow Palouse resident and geodynamicist Katie Cooper (WSU) and her research group, Idaho Geodynamics group members are using 2D and 3D models to isolate the competing effects of basal and surface insulators on Earth's thermal state, mantle dynamics, and upper/lower mantle interconnectivity.
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Quantifying the Governing Mechanisms on Mid-Ocean Ridge Jumps in Three Dimensional Numerical Models (NSF Funded): Observations of numerous relic spreading centers and micro-continents formed by sudden relocations or jumps of ridge axes indicate that mid-ocean ridges regularly shift to new, off-axis locations through 'jumps'. This project’s primary research goal is to quantify the processes that govern ridge jumps and thereby test the hypothesis that there exist predictable length- and time-scales for ridge jump formation. Idaho Geodynamics Group Members Danny King and MC Rapoza are working on key aspects of this study.
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Map of Iceland with locations of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge highlighted in purple. Current ridge axes are indicated by yellow lettering as the (WVZ) Western Volcanic Zone, (EVZ) Eastern Volcanic Zone, and (NVZ) Northern Volcanic Zone.
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Photo credit: K. Harpp
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Bringing Geologists, Climate Scientists, and Biologists Together to Study the Galapagos (NSF-RCN): Along with Idaho Geodynamics colleagues Christine Parent (biologist, UI) and Lucinda Lawson (biologist, U. Cincinnati), we have created the the Island Systems Integration Consortium Research Coordination Network (ISIC-RCN), a consortium of geologists, climatologists, and biologists who study oceanic island system dynamics. The ISIC-RCN uses the Galapagos Archipelago as a model and we are working to leverage the power of cross-disciplinary research to address fundamental questions too challenging or impossible to address through single disciplinary approaches. The RCN is funded through 2026 - check out the website for information on future meetings!
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Coupling Mantle Volatiles, Eruption Dynamics, and Tectonics on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (NSF Funded): Mapping and sampling of a portion of the mid-Atlantic spreading center, where a unique geochemical signature was determined for a 1980's 'popping rock' sample, we are taking advantage of recent recognition that tectonic deformation may play a role in focusing volatile fluxing from the mantle. Aboard the R/V Atlantis and using unique tools such as the submersible Alvin and the autonomous underwater vehicle Sentry, we undertake geophysical mapping, targeted sampling, and a complete suite of post-cruise geochemical analyses to determine whether the early quantification of mantle volatiles was representative for the region and/or whether such signatures cluster only near faults, thus implying localized fluxing. Such finding could uproot long-standing inferences about background mantle volatile contents. This project involves collaborations with colleagues at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Boise State University. The field portion of this work was completed as two oceanographic cruises in 2016 (see video at right) and 2018. Publications from this work include Jones et al. (2019), Peron et al. (2019), and Bekaert et al., (2024a, b) - see Publications.
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Rheologic and tectonic controls on oceanic microplate formation from laboratory models: Using a unique colloidal fluid, Ludox, in laboratory models of seafloor spreading, we examine visco-elastic-plastic deformation and faulting at a simulated ridge axis. By separately varying the rate of spreading and the growth rate of the thickness of the simulated tectonic plates, we examine how tectonic strain rate and plate strength control the formation of oceanic microplates. This project is a collaboration between E. Mittelstaedt and Dr. Anne Davaille at the U. Paris Sud. |
