Geochronology

Geochronology research at UCSB employs state of the art mass spectrometry techniques to solve a broad range of geologic problems, including, but not limited to the processes by which mountain belts form and evolve, the timing of tectonism and faulting in different tectonic settings, interpreting the metamorphic rock record. Areas of expertise include U/Pb and Ar/Ar geochronology. Learn more about our Geochronology research facilities.

Map of the yttrium concentration in monazites from mid-crustal xenoliths from Tanzania.
Laser Ablation
Examples of rutile (rtl) rimmed by titanite (ttn) from lower crustal xenoliths from Tanzania.
Inferred P-T path that the rocks experienced following the East African Orogeny, a Himalaya-scale colloisional orogeny that occurred in the Neoproterozoic.

John Cottle

Professor

Application of geochronology to solve tectonic problems

Geochronology

Petrology, Geochemistry & Volcanology

Structure & Tectonics

Phillip Gans

Professor

Structural geology and tectonics and are focused on deformational and thermal processes within continental lithosphere.

Geochronology

Petrology, Geochemistry & Volcanology

Surface Processes, Sedimentology & Hydrology

Structure & Tectonics

Kristin Morell

Associate Professor

Application of field geology, geochronology, and remote sensing to understand the dynamics, growth, and erosion of tectonically active regions, especially subduction zones

Geochronology

Surface Processes, Sedimentology & Hydrology

Structure & Tectonics

Matt Rioux

Associate Teaching Professor

Application of geochronology, geochemistry, and petrology to study igneous and tectonic processes.

Geochronology

Petrology, Geochemistry & Volcanology

Structure & Tectonics

Roberta L. Rudnick

Distinguished Professor

Geochemistry and Petrology, Continent Formation and Evolution.

Petrology, Geochemistry & Volcanology

Geochronology