Geochemical Studies of Ocean Basin Evolution

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The objective of this project is to carry out isotopic and trace element studies of (1) FAMOUS area of Mid-Atlantic Ridge, (2) Gorda Ridge, Escanaba Trough, and President Jackson Seamounts, and (3) Walvis Ridge, Rio Grande Rise and Cameroon Line Seamounts. Principal focus is on FAMOUS area to try to reconcile isotopic and trace element data evidence against a magma chamber with the petrological evidence for one, and to compare trace element and isotopic data with that from companion study being carried out on rocks from the East Pacific Rise. %%% Much of our knowledge of magmatic diversity come from a knowledge of the source rocks from which melts are derived, and the processes of magmatic fractionation. This information comes largely from an understanding of variations in trace element and isotopic composition of lavas exposed on the sea floor. Dr. White has an excellent record for obtaining this type of data on rocks collected from the sea floor. It is expected that this project will yield important information on sea floor magmatic processes.