Research in Geology

In Geology at UMD, we contribute to understanding Earth as part of the Solar System, to understanding the Earth system∗ through the geological record of atmospheric, biological, hydrospheric and geomorphological change, and to understanding Earth’s interior processes and chemical evolution. Our main research programs are: geochemistry and biogeoscience; nanoscale science and geomicrobiology; petrology, mineralogy and mineral deposits geology; structural geology and tectonics; surface processes; and, vertebrate paleontology.

Research methods include: field investigation of geological relationships; use of regional and global datasets and remotely sensed data; analytical geochemistry and mineralogy; experimental mineralogy, petrology and geochemistry; microscopy at all scales; and, theory, computation and modeling. Our research facilities include: Laboratory for Crustal Petrology; Hydrology Laboratory; Laboratory for Mineral Deposits Research (includes experimental geology and X-ray diffraction facilities); Geochemistry Laboratories (see below); Laboratory for Structural Geology and Tectonics; and, the Center for Microanalysis (see below).
For information about our Graduate Programs contact Prof. R.J. Walker, Graduate Studies Director (rjwalker@geol.umd.edu; 301-405-4089)

The Geochemistry Laboratories
Comprises a set of state-of-the-art laboratories for the preparation, elemental and isotopic analysis of a wide range of geological and biological materials. These facilities include: newly renovated laboratories for mineral separation and rock crushing/preparation; four chemistry laboratories for the separation and purification of elements of interest from complex matrices; three separate mass spectrometry laboratories (gas source, plasma, thermal ionization). The gas source laboratory houses four mass spectrometers, along with associated sample introduction apparatuses; they are primarily used to measure the isotopic compositions of C, N, S, O and H. The plasma laboratory houses one single- and one multi-collector inductively-couple plasma mass spectrometer; they are coupled to both solution and laser ablation sample introduction systems. These instruments are used for measuring mass dependent fractionations of e.g., Mo, Os and Li isotopes in geological materials, and in situ determination of trace element concentrations in minerals. The thermal ionization laboratory houses two solid source mass spectrometers. These instruments are used for high precision analysis of Nd, Pb, Os, Ru and Sr isotopes.
Contact person: Prof. W.F. McDonough (mcdonough@geol.umd.edu)

The Center for Microscopy and Microanalysis
Houses scanning electron microscopes (SEM), including an environmental scanning electron microscope, an atomic force microscope, a scanning tunneling microscope, an FTIR microscope, and a JXA-8900 SuperProbe. The SuperProbe is a high resolution SEM and a combined wavelength/energy dispersive electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA). Access to a 200KV transmission electron microscope is available through the Center.
Contact person: Dr. P.M. Piccoli (piccoli@geol.umd.edu)

Geochemistry and Biogeoscience
This research group is one of the best in the Nation and is internationally competitive. Their research focuses on improving our understanding of: the chemical and isotopic composition of major reservoirs of the solid Earth (crust, mantle, core), particularly with regard to understanding their generation and evolution; the isotopic evolution of the atmosphere, oceans and lakes, with emphasis on understanding long-term global climate change; and, the evolution of the early Solar System, including primitive materials, and samples from differentiated asteroids, Mars and the Moon. The group also applies geochemistry to address tectonic and environmental problems. (Drs. Ash, Candela, Farquhar, Kaufman, McDonough, Piccoli, Prestegaard, Puchtel, Rudnick, Walker).
Contact person: Prof. R.J. Walker (rjwalker@geol.umd.edu)

Nanoscale science and geomicrobiology
This recently-formed group is pioneering new areas of cutting-edge research within the geosciences. Our goal is to achieve a fundamental appreciation of processes between material surfaces and biological cells or polymers. Our objective is to explore the natural affinity between biopolymers and mineral surfaces and to understand how microorganisms modulate their interactions with material surfaces. We use a combination of techniques including scanning probe microscopy, laser scanning microscopy, holographic laser arrays, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, and molecular modeling (Dr. Candela and vacant positions).
Contact person: Prof. P.A. Candela (candela@geol.umd.edu)

Petrology, Mineralogy and Mineral Deposits Geology
Understanding the origin and evolution of Earth's lithosphere, which includes crust-hydrosphere and crust-mantle interactions and processes of recycling within the crust, is the research focus in this nationally competitive group of international repute. Our research involves investigating the pressure-temperature-time-deformation evolution of metamorphic belts, volatile phase flow through the crust, and the generation, segregation, transfer and emplacement of magma. Also, we use a combination of physical and chemical modeling, thermodynamic analysis and isotopic tracers to explain why certain mineral deposits (e.g., with high Au/Cu ratios) are associated with particular intrusive igneous rocks, for which experimental data are necessary as input to the modeling, and to investigate ore metals in accessory minerals in rocks. (Drs. Brown, Candela, McDonough, Penniston-Dorland, Piccoli, Rudnick, Walker, Wylie)
Contact person: Prof. P.A. Candela (candela@geol.umd.edu)

Structural Geology and Tectonics
Our primary purpose is to understand deformation processes of Earth’s crust and lithospheric mantle. We take an integrated field-based, theoretical and computational work to achieve this goal. The computational component forms a link between the geology and the programs being developed in the Center for Scientific Computation and Mathematical Modeling. (Drs. Brown and vacant positions)
Contact person: Prof.M. Brown (mbrown@geol.umd.edu)

Surface Processes
This nationally prominent group focuses on physical and biogeochemical processes on or near Earth’s surface both in the present and the distant geological past. Research on modern hydrologic, biogeochemical and geomorphologic phenomenon integrates detailed field measurements with laboratory analysis and computer modeling of watershed and wetland systems, and studies of ice sheet dynamics augment our understanding of the global hydrologic cycle. We use isotope tracers and integrated chemical-, sequence-, and bio-stratigraphic analyses to understand the history and evolution of Earth surface environments and atmosphere. These systems-based studies of Earth's modern and ancient environments provide a template for understanding carbon cycling on multiple scales and climate change, and provide a strong link to work in the Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center and the biological sciences. (Drs. Farquhar, Kaufman, Prestegaard)
Contact person: Prof. K.L. Prestegaard (kpresto@geol.umd.edu)

Vertebrate Paleontology
Our paleontologists are primarily concerned with the reconstruction of the phylogeny of vertebrate lineages in general, and of Mesozoic Reptilia in particular. Additionally, we are interested in functional anatomy and ecomorphology, quantitative paleobiogeography, and digital analysis and dissemination of paleontological specimen data. (Drs. Holtz, Merck)
Contact person: Dr. T. Holtz (tholtz@geol.umd.edu)

∗The Earth system comprises the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the biosphere, the lithosphere, the convecting mantle and the core.

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