Petrology and petrogenesis
Reseach group
The petrology and petrogenesis research programme studies the nature and formation of rocks, particularly those of extreme compositions and large mineral diversity. We focus our research on understanding the nature of extrusive carbonatites, which are rare but can give important insights into the behaviour and origin of carbonate magmas; in the nature of the mantle, including the study of mantle xenoliths; and in the geodynamic and physiochemical controls which produce rocks enriched in rare elements, especially mineralization related to carbonatites, alkaline rocks and granites. The mineralogy and petrology of the complex Zr and Nb oxides, zirconolite and pyrochlore, is also being studied for application to nuclear waste disposal studies and for use as petrogenetic indicators.
Oldoinyo Lengai carbonatite volcano, Tanzania
Research is closely linked to the petrology collections, which the programme aims to enhance by adding material and improving their documentation and accessibility. The programme also has a key role in providing reference documentation for the academic and industrial community, and promotes the study and understanding of rocks to the general public.
| Researchers | Scientific Associates | Honorary Research Fellow | Research Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frances Wall | Alan Woolley | Steve Sparks | Irina Gurieva |
| Terry Williams | Mike Le Bas | Liz Evans | |
| Anatoly Zaitsev | Ken Bailey | Vicky Niku-Paavola | |
| Reimar Seltmann | Martin Smith | Emma Dowman | |
| Henrik Friis |
Current research topics include
- Carbonatites including Extrusive Carbonatities
- Mantle xenoliths from the Cape Verde Islands
Find this project on our Global Reach world map - Geodynamic framework and GIS mapping of rocks, deposits and ore minerals, in Russia and Central Asia
- Alteration and stability of natural analogues of Synroc minerals, particularly zirconolite and pyrochlore
- Alkaline Rocks and Carbonatites of the World books and map
- Petrology collections, databases and web sites
For further information contact:
Frances Wall
Tel: +44 (0)207 942 5623
Fax: +44 (0)207 942 5537
email