[Geoldept] Undergraduate Metamorphic Petrology Research Opportunity

[Sean Mulcahy]

How do you make a blueschist from eclogite?  What happens to important trace elements when you react one mineral to form another?  How are rocks returned from depths of >60 km to the surface of the Earth within subduction zones?  If these questions sound interesting to you, then please send me an email or come by office (ES 204) or lab (ES 110). 

I have research opportunities for 1-2 undergraduate students interested in metamorphic geology.  The ideal students will have completed Geol 306 and Geol 406 and received high marks in each course (Geol 318 and 407 would also be great). 

The current projects I have in mind are focused on the stability, chemistry, and deformation of important minerals in subduction zones.  The projects include a fair amount of microscope work and various combinations of the SEM, XRD, and laser-ablation ICP-MS.

Sean

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Sean R. Mulcahy 
Assistant Professor 
Geology Department 
Western Washington University
516 High St.
Bellingham, WA 98225