WELCOME TO BAYLOR'S
Volcanoes + Gems + Petrology
ACTIVE RESEARCH
Our group is fascinated by the conditions of magmas that trigger eruptions, as well as the volcanic processes of eruptive ascent and emplacement. We also study crystals — igneous, metamorphic, and gemstones. We use information preserved within crystals to understand petrologic and tectonic processes.
Magmatic ascent rates
We are using synchrotron FTIR and high temperature experiments to determine the volatile contents in melt embayments (CO2 map here). Embayments record the decompression histories of rhyolitic melt ascending volcanic conduits.
Diamonds
Roy Bassoo is leading a project to characterize the origin and provenance of diamonds from the Guiana Shield using compositional analyses, crystal morphology, and Raman thermobarometry.
See a video of Roy's work.
Stress in crystals
We are using synchrotron X-ray microdiffraction (μXRD) to analyze crystal lattice deformation in crystals ejected in volcanic eruptions. We want to learn what geologic processes strain crystals.
See a Baylor promo video.
OUR LAB
Our lab contains a high temperature experimental petrology system. The lab is also home to FTIR and Raman spectrometers, petrographic tools, and high powered computing.
PUBLICATIONS
Roy Bassoo publishes the first assessment of Guyana's alluvial diamonds. We document the diamonds' surface textures, internal structures, compositions, and inclusion character. We suggest Guyana's diamonds are sourced from the Paleoproterozoic.
Anna Ruefer demonstrates that quartz-hosted embayments from 10 caldera-forming eruptions have diverse bubble textures. Embayments shapes also take many forms, ranging from straight and simple to highly irregular.
The hydrogen isotope composition of rhyolite melt inclusions from the Bishop Tuff range from -40 to -60 per mil. This composition is most similar to values preserved in mafic arc magmas.
MEET THE TEAM
Emanuel Giovanini
PhD student
