Research Interest

Sea floor hydrothermal fields are found world wide along slow and fast spreading ridges. High temperature sea floor hydrothermal fields precipitate sulfide deposits and host unique biologic communities. Accurately dating these fields is critical for the development of sustainable mining practices, of critical importaance for less developed nations in the Pacific Islands, and research into the lifespans and dynamics of different biologic communities.

The Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field (YPVF) Hydrothermal System is one of the most spectacular manifestations of hydrothermal activity in the world. The geysers, mudpots, and travertine terraces create beautiful features and depict the great variety of hydrothermal system manifestations (high and low temperature). Noninvasive research is critical to preserving this natural wonder while stil being able to answer the questions millions of visitors to the National Park each year have. We are using radioisotopes to investigate what water is interacting with and how it is moving through the subsurface, and how long water-rock interaction takes place to better understand this awesome and dynamic volcanic system.

As the world endeavors to move away from hydrocarbons to more green sources of energy, Geothermal energy can become a prime contributor towards this goal. Geothermal energy uses the natural heat of the interior of the planet to create electricity. This energy source is more reliable than other sources of green energy as it does not have periodic cycles of high and low production, but provides a consistent source of energy production. Measuring the rock surface area water is interacting with is critical to increasing the efficiency of production for geothermal energy as well as understanding flow paths water takes while in the subsurface. Constraining these factors will allow geothermal energy to help lead the world into a new green energy future.