Collaborative Research: Constraining the Petrogenesis and Mantle Source of Adare Basin Seamount Lavas

This award supports the study of lava samples from seamounts in the Cape Adare region of the western Ross Sea. Volcanism in this area is poorly understood, and the geochemistry of these lavas may offer new insight into regional geodynamics and global mantle geochemistry. Because the Cape Adare seamounts are located on oceanic lithosphere, they may be free of the contamination that affects lavas erupted through continental areas. This one-year investigation will gather data on samples collected on a cruise to this region in 2007. It will determine seamount ages, characterize their mantle sources, assess models for their origin, and judge the potential for more detailed study. In terms of broader impacts, this project will involve graduate and undergraduate students in an exciting field expedition, followed by laboratory work using cutting-edge techniques for geochemical analyses.