Petrological monitoring of eruptive cycles at Volcan de Colima, Mexico.

Volcán de Colima in western Mexico is one of the most active volcanoes in North America. The historical eruptions show a pattern of eruptive cyclicity. Each cycle comprises an initial period of dome growth followed by intermittent eruption of lava flows and Vulcanian eruptions (current type of activity). The cycles end with cataclysmic sub-Plinian to Plinian eruptions, the most recent of which occurred in 1818 and 1913. These eruptive cycles are believed to be related to the dynamics of the magmatic system. However, the magmatic processes controlling the evolution of these magmas and their temporal variations are still poorly understood. The aim of this project is to use the composition and zoning patterns of plagioclase crystals to get a better understanding of the magmatic processes controlling the eruptive cycles.

Kontakt: Olivier Reubi  

Status: Offen

Professur: keine Angabe

Altitudinal scaling of cosmogenic production rates in artificial targets

The project aims to evaluate scaling models for terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide production rates derived from in situ produced cosmogenic 3He and 21Ne in artificial quartz targets exposed at mountain altitudes in the Swiss Alps. Based on initial results of a one-year exposure and irradiation experiment, the current effort is to extend the irradiation time, now accomplished with a period of 3 years. Specifically, this is performed in order to enhance data precision via higher nuclide concentrations accumulated over a longer time period  and to better resolve solar cycle production influences. The work includes noble gas measurements at the ETH noble gas labs in close collaboration with the Noble Gas Group of Prof. Rainer Wieler.

Kontakt: Florian Kober   Rainer Wieler  

Status: Offen

Professur: Sanchez

The evolution of the Chironico landslide (Ticino; Leventina)

The Chironico landslide (Ticino; Leventina) has been dated indirectly by 14C from wood fragments in lake sediments to an age of about 13,500 cal yr. The 14C dates imply Chironico is the oldest dated crystalline landslide in the Alps. Surface exposure dating with cosmogenic 10Be is presently underway. We are looking for a student to do detailed geological and geomorphologcial mapping of the slide deposits and associated landforms and processes to derive an evolutionary model. This data can be used in a broader context to examine causes and triggering mechanisms of large-scale control landsliding in the Alps (bedrock control, climate factors etc.).

Kontakt: Susan Ivy-Ochs  

Status: Offen

Professur: Sanchez

Eruption dynamics and deposits of the Calatrava volcanic province, Spain

The late Tertiary-Quaternary Calatrava volcanic province (central Spain) is dominated by small-volume alkaline magmas that erupted with surprising explosivity. Recent discoveries of a combination of primary (magmatic) carbonates and mantle debris in several of the Calatrava volcanics indicate similar eruptive behavior as previously identified in parts of the East African Rift (i.e., unusually explosive eruptions of carbonated silicate melts forming highly fragmented deposits). However, detailed stratigraphic mapping of the Calatrava deposits is currently missing. Therefore, this project aims to close the existing informational gap by extensive fieldwork and mapping/sampling of selected key localities in Calatrava. Laboratory-based analyses include geochemistry (XRF-analyses), establishing grain-size distributions, componentry (juvenile, accidental material and mantle debris) and detailed studies of particle morphologies (using Scanning Electron Microscopy). Also, emphasis will be placed on melt- and carbonate inclusions in the investigated rocks and analyzed using electron-microprobe and laser ablation ICP-MS. The data from Calatrava will be compared with similar studies from the East African Rift.

Kontakt: Hannes Mattson  

Status: Offen

Professur: Schmdit

Gold in the Alps: Surselva

Project subject to go-ahead by exploration company licensed in Disentis. Aim: Investigate the origin of the poentially econmic gold mineralsation in Val Medel gorge and adjacent mountains, based on planned diamond core drilling. Determine based on structural - textural work and subsequent geochemical investigations, possibly including geochronology, whether the mineralisation is pre-alpine magmatic-hydrothermal or of orogenic type formed during the Alpine history.

Kontakt: Christoph Heinrich  

Status: Offen

Professur: Heinrich

Exotic miarolitic cavities in the Aris Phonolite, Windhoek, Namibia

Large water-filled cavities (up to several cm) in a phonolite. The water's origin is unknown (could it really be an occurrence of primary magmatic water?). There are at least three types of filling in the cavities: (1) villiaumite (NaF), potentially representing former salt melt, (2) makatite (hydrous Na-silicate), is this the relic of a low-temperature melt?, and (3) water-bearing vugs lined with exotic minerals including tuperssuatsiaite (a REE-bearing phase). If possible map out distribution of vug types; stable isotopes on water, other geochemistry of water; X-ray tomography; bulk composition of vug contents if minerals are included; temperature of potential salt and Na hydrous silicate melts? Origin of water?

Kontakt: Thomas Driesner  

Status: Besetzt

Professur: Heinrich

Magma evolution and  magma - fluid separation; Elatsite porphyry-Cu-Au deposit, Bulgaria

Detailed mapping of field relations between various porphyry and aplite dike sets as well as quartz veins types, in particular transitions of porphyry to aplite and porphyry/aplite to quartz. Bulk rock and mineral geochemistry where possible, melt inclusions analytics with LA-ICPMS. In addition: small-scale isotope tracing along individual dikes etc. Previous work indicates chance for some fundamental insights into nature of magmatic-hydrothermal transition (is porphyry formation a nearly catastrophic process at depth or does it happen in a steadily evolving system?)

Kontakt: Thomas Driesner   Albrecht von Quadt   Elitsa Stefanova, Bulgaria  

Status: Offen

Professur: Heinrich

Is there a genetic connection between Battle Mountain Cu-Au and Carlin-type Au deposits, Nevada ?

Aim: Use  coordinated fluid inclusion studies of two separate actively mined ore districts, to determine whether they are related by a common process, in proximal vs. distal location to a magmatic fluid source. Task: Investigate geologic time relationships based on core logging and open-pit mine mapping. Sample veins and investigate mineralogy, paragenetic sequence and fluid inclusion characteristics, using microthermometry and LA-ICPMS microanalysis.

Kontakt: Christoph Heinrich   Markus Wälle   Newmont  

Status: Offen

Professur: Heinrich

The Buchim porphyry-Cu-Au deposit, Macedonia

Aims: Obtain a first-hand original description of a largely unknown new porphyry deposit. Geological mapping of open pit mine and surrounding exploration prospects; focus of individual project to be determined, may include structure, magmatism, ore petrography and hydrothermal processes, fluid inclusions, LA-ICPMS reconnaissance geochronology  ± other lab techniques.

Kontakt: Albrecht von Quadt   Christoph Heinrich   local SCOPES partners and industry  

Status: Besetzt

Professur: Heinrich

Magmatic-hydrothermal evolution of the Strzegom (Striegau) granite batholith, SW Poland

Aims: Characterize the fluid evolution from miarolithic cavities, pegmatite pods and hydrothermal veins, and compare with results of geochemical modeling; contribute to fundamental understanding of the hydrothermal evolution of granitic plutons. Tasks: Fieldwork and sampling in active quarries, fluid inclusion studies (fluid inclusion petrography, microthermometry, LA-ICPMS analysis of fluid inclusions).

Kontakt: Thomas Wagner   Markus Wälle   Joanna Kostylew (Wroclaw)  

Status: Besetzt

Professur: Heinrich

The volcanic history of the porphyry-Cu-Mo-Au deposit of Bingham Canyon (USA)

Field mapping, petrography, geochronology and magmatic geochemistry of a deeply eroded high-K andesitic stratovolcano that covered the giant porphyry-Cu-Mo-Au deposit. Aim: Can we use the volcanic stratigraphy as a record of the igneous evolution of the subjacent mineralizing deep magma chamber, especially its redox and sulfur saturation history, to understand more local process of hydrothemal Cu-Mo-Au mineralization? Collaboration with Rio Tinto / Kennecott.

Kontakt: Christoph Heinrich   Albrecht von Quadt   K. Schroeder (Kennecott - Rio Tinto)  

Status: Offen

Professur: Heinrich

How long does it take to make a porphyry-copper deposit? The Alumbrera Cu-Au deposit (Argentina) and the El Durazono Au prospect (2 MSc Projects)

Next to a worldclass porphyry-Cu-Mo-Au deposits mined from a major open pit, a smaller Au-rich ore system is being explored by Xstrata Copper. Two MSc projects will combine field mapping of the new prospect with core sampling of both porphyry stocks. Lab work will include high-precision geochronology of antecryst populations, their Hf isotope composition, and the Pb-isotope ratios of fluid inclusions using MC-ICP-MS. Aim is to assess lifetime of magmatic-hydrothermal processes and quantify fluid contributions from mantle, deep crust or local granitic basement using Hf isotope geochemistry.

Kontakt: Christoph Heinrich   Albrecht von Quadt   F. Márquez-Zavalía (Mendoza)  

Status: Offen

Professur: Heinrich

Mississippi-Valley-Type Zn-(Pb) deposits of the Picos d'Europa area, Spain

Small historic mines and beautiful natural outcrops of carbonate-hosted sulfide breccias exposed in Alpine landscape. Aim: Study geometry and distribution of carbonate-hosted deposits to determine the origin of  famous honey-colored sphalerite by combination with fluid-inclusion study. Possibly extend project to exploring basin hydrology using fluid flow modeling.

Kontakt: Thomas Driesner   Christoph Heinrich   F. Tornos (IGME, Madrid)  

Status: Offen

Professur: Heinrich

Quantitative textural analysis of columnar jointed basalts

For centuries columnar jointed basalts have fascinated observers with their regular, and often spectacular, arrangements of hexagonal columns. Despite the considerable attention columnar jointed basalts have received in literature their formation is not yet fully understood. Recent studies indicate that there may be a significant redistribution of melt within the columns during the last stages of cooling. Theoretically, this should also be reflected in the preferred orientations of the last crystallizing minerals. The aim of the proposed study is to quantify the mineral orientations (titanomagnetite and plagioclase) in a complete cross-sectional slab of a basaltic column from Hrepphólar (Iceland). The project involves measurements using X-ray diffraction goniometry and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) of different mineral phases present in columnar jointed basalts.

Kontakt: Hannes Mattson   Bjarne Almqvist   Ann Hirt  

Status: Offen

Professur: Schmdit

Physical volcanology of the Loolmurwak maar volcano, northern Tanzania

The Loolmurwak maar volcano (Lake Natron – Engaruka monogenetic field, northern Tanzania) has one of the largest craters of more than 100 cones in this area. Although maar volcanoes are most common where rising magma interacts explosively with groundwater, multiple lines of evidence suggest that the Loolmurwak eruption was in fact dry at the time of the eruption (little evidence for typical wet deposition). An alternative explanation may be that the Loolmurwak magma was carbonated at depth and the release of CO2 during decompression caused the vigorous activity on the surface and producing pyroclasts strongly resembling those generated by explosive interaction with an external water source (phreatomagmatic activity). The aim of this MSc-project is to in detail investigate variations in explosion intensity and fragmentation modes (magmatic vs. phreatomagmatic) with time during the Loolmurwak eruption.

Kontakt: Hannes Mattson  

Status: Offen

Professur: Schmdit

Volcanics and intrusions associated with the Altar porphyry-copper prospects, Argentina

Extensive field mapping supplemented by core logging, followed by petrography, geochronology and magmatic geochemistry of andesitic to rhyolitic igneous lithologies of a subvolcanic complex. Determine gelogical sequence and mode of magma emplacement, supplemented by reconnaissance age determinations, to reconstruct magmatic evolution in relation to several Cu-mineralised hydrothermal vein stockworks. Two cooperating MSc students.

Kontakt: Christoph Heinrich   H. Mattsson   R. Rey (Stillwater)  

Status: Besetzt

Professur: Heinrich

Age, geochemistry and geodynamic origin of the lower-crustal migmatite complex of the Central Aar Massif

Spectacular and perfectly fresh gabbroic to tonalitic migmatites in the Sustenpass area are surprisingly understudied, and it is not even known whether they belong to the Variscan or earlier orogenic cycles. Field mapping in Steingletscher - Rütifirn area, as a basis for sampling and subsequent zircon geochronology using LA-ICPMS ± high-precision TIMS dating. Lab work offers potential to developing and test novel analytical techniques and instrumentation.

Kontakt: Sarah Fowler   Albrecht von Quadt   T. Labhart, Bern  

Status: Offen

Professur: Heinrich

Are Au - Cu ore deposits in the Apuseni Mountains of Romania associated with Miocene extensional magmatism or Cretaceous subduction?

Study alteration, ore mineralogy and fluid evolution of an active exploration project for Au ± Cu and link it to the complex magmatic history of this region. Project plan to be defined in cooperation with Barrick Gold Corporation and Romanian exploration partners; logistically linked to PhD D. Gallhofer and possible MSc-project 'Gosau-type volcanosedimentary basins....'.

Kontakt: Christoph Heinrich   Albrecht von Quadt   P. Ivascanu (Barrick Gold)  

Status: Offen

Professur: Heinrich

Gosau-type volcano-sedimentary basins in the South Carpathians and Apuseni Mountains (Romania)

Using regional mapping and zircon geochronology, can we date the maximum age of Gosau-type sedimentary basins, by constraining sedimentation and tectonics using tuffs, plutonic clasts or intrusive dykes. Assess the relation of these basin fills with arc magmatism driven by Upper Cretaceous subduction magmatism and related Cu, Fe and Pb-Zn ore deposits.

Kontakt: Albrecht von Quadt   Daniela Gallhofer (PhD)   S. Schmid  

Status: Offen

Professur: Heinrich

The explosive-effusive transition in hot, dry rhyolites of the Snake River Plain (USA)

The early history of the Yellowstone hotspot is recorded in the ignimbrites (deposits from explosive eruptions) and lavas of the central Snake River Plain. Generally, in any one location, explosive volcanism dominates before the volcanism becomes effusive. Yet bulk-rock compositions and mineral chemistry appear to show little variation between lavas and ignimbrites. This project will use a variety of geoanalytical techniques (microprobe, LA-ICPMS and ionprobe) to characterise mineral and mineral-hosted melt inclusions from lavas and ignimbrites to investigate the main controls on the subsequent eruptive style.

Kontakt: Bachmann Olivier   Ellis Ben  

Status: Offen

Professur: Bachmann

Using the Mt. Jackson Rhyolite (Wyoming, USA) to look for signs of an impending Yellowstone supereruption

The last big eruption from Yellowstone, the c. 600,000 year old Lava Creek Tuff, was preceded by a series of seven or eight smaller volume rhyolitic lavas collectively called the Mt. Jackson Rhyolite. These lavas span a period of approximately half a million years and provide snapshots of the rhyolitic reservoir during the build-up to a supereruption. This project will use a variety of techniques including high-precision 40Ar/39Ar geochronology and mineral-scale chemistry to characterise the Mount Jackson Rhyolite and investigate whether these lavas contain any hint of the catastrophic eruption which was to come.

Kontakt: Bachmann Olivier   Ellis Ben  

Status: Offen

Professur: Bachmann