Study of the geochemical variations along the neovolcanic zones of Iceland.

This thesis follows a series of projects focused on the inhomogeneity of the mantle and the interactions between hot-spots and mid-ocean ridges. These studies were part of a collaboration with Prof. J.G. Schilling of the Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory at the University of Rhode Island (U.S.A.).

Most of the field work has been done, as have the petrographic and geochemical studies of the abundant samples. The results were presented in a PhD thesis by P.S. Meyer at the University of Rhode Island (The petrology and geochemistry of Iceland basa lts, spatial and temporal variations, 1984). However, the isotopic geochemistry (Sr, Nd, Pb, rare gases) of these samples has not been studied and would provide important information about the Iceland hot-spot.

This study is designed for a student who likes laboratory work (isotope separation in a clean room and mass-spectrometry) and who has a sound knowledge of the use of computer software and statistical methods. Several trips to Rhode Island would be necessary.

For more information please contact:

Denis Fontignie
Département de Minéralogie
Université de Genève
13, rue des Maraîchers
tel. (022) 702 66 46
email: fontigni@sc2a.unige.ch