ben holtzman

My research combines rock physics, seismology and geodynamics. Through field work, experiments and theory, I have studied the interactions of melt migration and deformation and the influences of melt on the mechanical properties of rocks in the deep Earth. Currently, my work is focused on the interpretation of seismic velocities measured at plate boundaries in terms of both rock fabrics and melt distribution, towards building more detailed images of the structure of plate boundaries and the upper mantle. Such images provide an observational basis for an explanation of why the Earth has discrete tectonic plates.

NEW:
Sounds of Seismology (shown at LDEO Open House 2008)
Some illustrations

Some Recent papers

[1] B.K. Holtzman and D. L. Kohlstedt. Stress-driven Melt Segregation and Strain Partitioning in Partially Molten Rocks: Effects of Stress and Strain Journal of Petrology 48: 2379-2406. 2007
pdf from J.Pet.

[2] Katz, R. F., M. Spiegelman, and B. Holtzman, (2006) The dynamics of melt and shear localization in partially molten aggregates, Nature, 442, 676--679, doi:10.1038/nature05039.

[3] B.K. Holtzman, D.L. Kohlstedt, J.Phipps Morgan. Viscous Energy Dissipation and Strain Partitioning in Partially Molten Rocks. Journal of Petrology , doi:10.1093/petrology/egi065, 2005
pdf from J.Petrology

[4] J.Phipps Morgan and B.K. Holtzman. Melt transport and deformation of partially molten viscoelastic rocks: the Vug Wave. G^3 (Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems) V. 6, No. 8, 2005
pdf

[5] B.K. Holtzman, D.L. Kohlstedt, M.E. Zimmerman, F. Heidelbach, T. Hiraga, and J. Hustoft. Melt segregation and strain partitioning: Implications for seismic anisotropy and mantle flow, Science 301 , p. 1227-1230, August 29, 2003
pdf

[6] B. K. Holtzman, M. E. Zimmerman, N. J. Groebner, S. B. Ginsberg, and D. L. Kohlstedt. Stress-driven melt segregation in partially molten rocks. G^3 (Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems), vol. 4, no. 5, May, 2003
pdf