Quantification of the processes that lead to the formation and differentiation of the terrestrial planets provides a better understanding of Earth evolution and vice versa. Work involves integration of chemical and physical property determinations for planetary minerals and melts using experimental petrology and state of the art isotope geochemical techniques. The composition and physical properties of minerals and melts require better quantification if numerical and analogue models are to be made more realistic. Our state-of-the-art analytical and experimental infrastructure is used to determine how mineral and melt properties vary with composition, pressure and temperature allowing better understanding of processes as diverse as the internal differentiation of the Moon and Mercury, to mantle and crustal melting in the Earth and water rock interaction. 

Subjects for study:

• Phase relations in the interiors of terrestrial planets and the Moon
• Element and isotope partitioning in solid-melt and solid-fluid systems
• Equations of state of rock forming minerals and melts.
• Integrated models of planetary differentiation and evolution

Contact: Prof. dr. W. (Wim) van Westrenen and Dr. P. (Pieter) Vroon

ANCIENT AND EXTREME TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS

Study of extreme terrestrial environments that represent analogues of parts of other planets: As series of PhD students are working within the department and with chemistry and University of Utrecht across conventional disciplinary boundaries to better understand biogeochemical processes. The ultimate goal is to understand the development of habitable terrestrial habitats and to develop strategies for the detection of life on other planets and moons in our Solar System. In addition to standard petrological and whole rock geochemical methodologies the group is exploring potential applications of Raman spectroscopy and Si, Fe and S isotopes. More detailed information about geochronology please visit the following links of:

Contact: Dr. P. (Pieter Vroon) and Prof. dr. G.R. (Gareth) Davies