My Masters research has focused primarily on the thermal evolution and cooling rates in the lower oceanic crust at spreading ridges. Specifically, I have been interested in quantifying the variation in cooling rates with depth in lower crust gabbros in the Oman ophiolite. This work is important for understanding the role of hydrothermal convection throughout the lower crust as well as mechanisms of lower crustal accretion at ridges.

VanTongeren et al. (2008) EPSL

As an extension of my Masters research, I will begin a study of the thermal evolution of the Bushveld Complex, the worlds largest layered mafic intrusion, and South Africas primary source of precious metals. This study will be primarily focused on what the Upper Zone of the Bushveld can tell us about heat loss and cooling of large magma bodies as well as how they interact with the rocks into which they are emplaced. Comparisons between crystallization and cooling at mid oceanic ridges and in layered intrusions will ultimately be important in our understanding of igneous crystallization in various tectonic settings.