Experimental studies on the behavior of sulfur and precious metals in magmatic systems

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Our planet is a complex and dynamic system. For example, the thin outmost portion of the solid Earth is slowly, but continuously, being recycled back into deeper parts our our planet and new material is brought up to the Earth's surface. Erupting volcanoes are one of the most spectacular expressions of this recycling process which results in the transfer of material from the Earth's upper mantle to the Earth's surface. My research is related to these volcanic processes and is directed at: (a) understanding the processes controlling magma generation deep in the Earth's mantle, which dictates which elements are incorporated in these magmas, (b) the processes controlling the changes in the composition of magmas as they ascend through and interact with the Earth's crust, and (c) the processes controlling the final products and accumulation of these magmas. I am interested in particular in the processes leading to anomalous concentration of economic metals such as copper, nickel, gold and platinum, and in the role that sulfur plays in these processes. Because we cannot witness these processes I use high-pressure and high-temperature equipment to simulate them. This approach allows us to isolate and study multiple variables and test multiple hypotheses by comparing the products of our experiments with the products of natural processes. The results of this research will further advance our understanding of how these anomalous concentrations are formed and will help us design better methods for the exploration of these resources.