Research in Geochemistry
Overview
Researchers in geochemistry in the Department of Geosciences is diverse and occurs across a spectrum of related disciplines. In the department you will find ongoing research in experimental aqueous geochemistry, the geochemical evolution of igneous and metamorphic systems, stable isotopic studies of vertebrate and invertebrate fossils, and the application of geochemical analysis to understanding of water-rock interactions in aquifers.
There are three broadly defined research groups in the department, for which more information can be found at the follow links:
Aqueous and Environmental Geochemistry
Geochemistry of Crustal Processes
Stable Isotope Geochemistry
Faculty members in the Geochemistry group include:
Dr. Cal Barnes, Professor. Petrology & geochemistry of igneous & metamorphic rocks. Email: cal.barnes@ttu.edu
Dr. Melanie Barnes, Application of LA-ICP-MS to Earth Materials. Email: melanie.barnes@ttu.edu
Dr. Callum Hetherington, Assistant Professor. Mineralogy, geochemistry, and micro-analytical study of igneous & metamorphic rocks. Email: callum.hetherington@ttu.edu
Dr. Juske Horita, Professor. Stable isotope geochemistry. Email: juske.horita@ttu.edu
Dr. Hal Karlsson, Associate Professor. Stable isotope geochemistry. Email: hal.karlsson@ttu.edu
Dr. Moira Ridley, Professor. Aqueous Geochemistry. Email: moira.ridley@ttu.edu
Research is conducted utilizing in-house laboratory facilities including:
- The Laboratory for Aqueous Geochemistry
- TTU GeoAnalytical Laboratory for Major & Trace Element ICP Analysis & Laser-Ablation ICP-Mass Spectrometry
- The Laboratory for Stable Isotope Geochemistry
In addition, faculty & students regularly utilize the Imaging Center of Texas Tech University, a laboratory housing TEM, SEM, EBSD, and related instruments for image analysis and microscopy.
Courses in Geochemistry include:
- GCH 2303 Introduction to Geochemistry
- GCH 5300 Individual Studies in Geochemistry
- GCH 5303 Trace Element Geochemistry
- GCH 5305 Environmental and Aqueous Geochemistry
- GCH 5350 Isotope Geochemistry
- GCH 5405 Inorganic Geochemistry
Ongoing research in GEOCHEMISTRY