Our group uses the electron microprobe to analyze minerals and glasses in meteorites, lunar samples, and in igneous rocks that formed at convergent margin and mid-oceanic ridge volcanoes. We also determine the chemical compositions of minerals and melts produced in experimental studies of natural samples and of synthetic analogs of meteorites and lunar materials. New experimental techniques in Prof. Grove's experimental petrology laboratory have allowed us to achieve conditions of high temperature and pressure and to control volatile contents at these conditions. These studies are integrated with geologic, geophysical and geochemical constraints to provide a framework for understanding the chemical fractionation and time scales of processes that create and maintain the chemical segregation present in the crust, mantle and cores of the earth, moon and meteorite parent bodies. Current research involves the determination of the influence of water on crystallization, differentiation and mantle melting in subduction zone settings.
Water is an essential element in the generation of subduction zone magmatism.
Quantitative measurement of oxygen in glasses provides a reliable estimate of H2O content and is essential in the characterization of these experiments. Research efforts in planetary science include experimental studies to elucidate the processes that control the distribution of siderophile elements in planetary materials. Experimental studies are performed to determine equilibria among silicate minerals, solid metal, silicate melt and sulfide melt. A s part of this work we must analyze an immiscible sulfide melt phase. These phases typically form multiphase quench growths.