Tectonics and metallogeny of continental margins

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My research focuses on the interplay between tectonism and the formation of mineral deposits along the active margins of continents. Continental margins are geological complex, and are commonly the locus of a wide variety of tectonic processes, including the subduction of oceanic crust and resulting development of volcanic/plutonic arcs, such as those in the South American Andes, as well as collision of arcs or microcontinents with the main continental margin, and/or episodic extensional (rifting) events. Formation of base and precious metal mineral deposits in such settings is also very complex; however, a better understanding of the nature and controls on formation of deposits in these settings will greatly enhance our ability to explore for and find new mineral resources. I am investigating a variety of styles of continental margins and associated mineral deposits, including continental ("Andean-type") magmatic arcs, relatively juvenile arc settings that formed immediately adjacent to the edges of continents, and "orogenic" gold deposits formed in both post-collisional settings, and within accretionary prisms during subduction of spreading ridges. I am carrying out parallel studies of each of these settings in the Canadian Cordillera of BC and Yukon and in other, similar settings in Mexico, New Zealand and Australia. The goal of this research is to develop new insights into the nature of tectonism and formation of mineral deposits in continental margin settings from international studies and then apply that new knowledge to better understanding the tectonic evolution of the Canadian Cordillera and the processes that led to formation of mineral deposits.