Interdisciplinary research relating experimental petrology, geochemistry, geophysics, tectonics and rheology is conducted to understand the origin of magmas and their role in the evolution of the Earth. Particular emphasis will be made on the role of water and other volatiles in the origin and eruption of magma. The purpose is to determine the physical, chemical and dynamic properties of magmas in order to understand the role of magmas in the origin and evolution of the Earth and other planetary bodies.
Research is conducted in the general areas of experimental and theoretical petrology.
Experiments at high pressures and temperatures are made to determine the phase equilibrium, solid-melt element partitioning, and transport properties of magmas. Theoretical methods are developed for describing magmatic processes and, in combination with experimental data and various observational data from natural rocks, provide powerful tools for deciphering the code of magmatic evolution. Magmatic Volatiles Prof. Minoru Kusakabe Assoc. Experiments at high pressures and temperatures are performed to determine the phaseequilibrium in volatile-bearing magmatic systems.