Mantle wedge serpentinisation during subduction
Release of fluids from oceanic plates into the overlying wedge during subduction results in serpentinisation, the reaction of mantle rocks with water. Such processes result in the abiotic generation of hydrogen and methane, two key sources of energy for the deep biosphere and potentially also for early life. My contribution to ERC DeepSeep is the global-scale quantification of hydrogen and methane fluxes during serpentinisation. To achieve this I aim to use a combination of geochemical modelling, plate history reconstruction, and numerical models of subduction to provide a tectonic framework for mantle wedge serpentinisation.
Basaltic processes in continental rift settings
Continental rifting is the means by which strong continents break apart to form new ocean basins. This is a tumultuous process, involving strong concurrent seismic and volcanic activity. I am interested in understanding more about the nature of magmatism at continental rift settings, which thermally affects the strength of the rifting crust. This research interest is a continuation of my PhD project, thesis title 'A mantle-to-crust study of magmatic processes in the Main Ethiopian Rift'.
I am also involved in the development of the pyMelt python library for mantle melting.
