Fracture history of rocks undergoing serpentinization
Michael Manga, Professor
Earth and Planetary Science
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Olivine-rich rocks, such as those from the mantle, react with water to form serpentine, other minerals, and release hydrogen. There is a large volume change from this reaction. Stresses from volume changes can create cracks which enable water to enter the rock. This project seeks to unravel the history of cracking and serpentinization. It is part of a larger project to model clean hydrogen production. It is also relevant to understanding the climate history of Mars.
Role: Reconstructing history by looking at images taken with a microscope and camera. This can be done in powerpoint, Illustrator or any mapping tool (GIS). It make be possible to work with 3D images as well.
Qualifications: Familiarity with some principles of stratigraphy (cross-cutting relationships) helps as does some knowledge of mineralogy and petrology.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Anna Barth, Post-Doc
Hours: to be negotiated
Mathematical and Physical Sciences