Cosmogenic 3He surface-exposure dating of young volcanic features
This disciplinary project, supervised by mentor Dr. Joe Licciardi, is focused on determining the eruptive history of young volcanic
features in the San Francisco volcanic field using cosmogenic 3He
surface exposure dating. Student project
tasks will include an initial phase of field work involving surficial mapping
and sampling of scoria cones and lava flows, followed by preparation of mineral
separates and laboratory measurement of helium isotopes in laboratories at the
University of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Students will then work on the interpretation of combined field
observations and isotopic data to reconstruct a detailed chronology of volcanic
events in the volcanic field. Theexposure-age
determinations also include measurement of magmatic 3He/4He
values, which will allow students to contribute insight on the geochemical
evolution of the San Francisco volcanic field and provide insight into magmatic
processes. Students will be strongly
encouraged to prepare an abstract for a subsequent professional meeting and
play a leading role in the eventual publication of project outcomes in
peer-reviewed journals. Likely cones to
be studied include SP, Strawberry, Merriam, and Doney Craters.
Preference will be given to students with prior
experience in field and laboratory settings. This can be field trips and chemistry lab,
but please be specific in your application!