From the field, to the lab, and applying the theory: Timescales and controls on chemical evolution in the Andean volcano Cerro Chaxas
"Analysis of zircon crystals is key to understanding how magma evolves and alters the eruption style of an Andean volcano. Cerro Chaxas is a long-lived volcano whose magma, and therefore its explosive eruption style, altered relatively quickly rather than the slow process that was previously assumed. This discovery could change the way our dangerous volcanoes are monitored."
Analysis of crystallization ages in zircons is a key tool for understanding how magma changes composition and how long it is present in the crust. Cerro Chaxas formed by high magmatic flux. Zircon ages and geochemistry indicate magma was present for an extensive amount of time in the crust below Chaxas. Prolonged residence and high flux caused the chemical composition of the magmatic system (host rocks + magma) to change relatively quickly at Chaxas compared to volcanoes that don't have the same characteristics.
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Speaker Bio:
Charles Tyler (Chuck) Lewis is a fourth year PhD student at Oregon State university, where he also chose to pursue his undergraduate degree because the geology program 'seemed legit' and Smith Rock was relatively close. He was soon enthralled by Earth Sciences and analytical chemistry in a geologic context when his community college advisor opened the door to scientific research. While Chuck does not have the astounding h-index that others may be able to advertise, he did defend his MS with a concussion and that's an equally weighted claim to fame in his book. Chuck now focuses primarily on the U-Pb system in minerals and uses other geochemical techniques to understand how crustal magmatic systems change chemically and spatially over time.