The Tianshan
The Tianshan is one of the worlds largest intracontinental mountain ranges. Much of the focus on the Tianshan has been around the Cenozoic exhumation in response to the India-Asia collision. However, recent work has found that the Tianshan was far more active in the Mesozoic than previously constrained. In the Tianshan there remains a unique opportunity to explore the link between the modern topographic expression and the Mesozoic accretion and reactivation processes, providing valuable insights into the development of orogenic systems.
See how the Tianshan influenced modern society.
See how the Tianshan influenced modern society.
Southern Arizona Metamorphic Core Complexes
The Metamorphic Core Complexes in Southern Arizona represent the global type-example for Metamorphic Core Complexes. Metamorphic Core Complexes formed in response to the collapse of over-thickened North American crust as a result of slab roll-back and represent a fundamental mechanism of thinning in global orogenic systems. At the University of Arizona, I am placing constraints on the timing and rates of the exhumation of these Metamorphic Core Complexes in order to better understand the redistribution of crust following crustal thickening.
Cross-section modified after Arca and Johnson (2010).
Cross-section modified after Arca and Johnson (2010).
Thermochronology and Geochemistry
Thermchronology and geochemistry are powerful tools to explore the earth's lithospheric evolution. The integration of trace and rare earth element geochemistry of whole rock and accessory minerals with middle and low temperature thermochronometers has potential to give a more complete view on a rocks exhumation pathway.
Always looking for new ways to apply and develop thermochronology. Currently, my research is focused on developing monazite fission-track as a new ultra-low temperature (<50 degrees C) thermochronometer. As well as the integration of trace and rare earth elements with U-Pb and fission-track dating in order to constrain tectonic processes.
Always looking for new ways to apply and develop thermochronology. Currently, my research is focused on developing monazite fission-track as a new ultra-low temperature (<50 degrees C) thermochronometer. As well as the integration of trace and rare earth elements with U-Pb and fission-track dating in order to constrain tectonic processes.
Tectonics and Climate
What controls continental-scale erosion? In Asia, widespread and active modern seismicity which attests to
ongoing crustal rearrangement in response to the south-eastern convergent plate tectonic margins. However, the
preserved topography reflects Asia’s long history of Mesozoic ocean closures. Thus, the erosion which created
the dramatic modern Asian topography we see today is regulated by additional processes working in tandem with
plate tectonics. In my current research, changes in continental erosion (thermochronology) through geological time can be interpreted in terms of climate flux coupling with tectonics.
ongoing crustal rearrangement in response to the south-eastern convergent plate tectonic margins. However, the
preserved topography reflects Asia’s long history of Mesozoic ocean closures. Thus, the erosion which created
the dramatic modern Asian topography we see today is regulated by additional processes working in tandem with
plate tectonics. In my current research, changes in continental erosion (thermochronology) through geological time can be interpreted in terms of climate flux coupling with tectonics.