Professor of Isotope Geochemistry

My research interests cover a wide range of Earth Science including, rates of geological processes, noble gas geochemistry, and developing techniques for dating geological processes. Using lasers to extract minute samples in situ, and in particular use of UV laser extraction technique, has provided a way to develop research into the solubility and diffusivity of noble gases in minerals in the Earth’s mantle and crust. Use of laser extraction techniques for Ar-Ar dating has led me into dating a huge range of geological processes including:


· Dating tectonic movements, uplift and erosion of ancient mountain belts
· Dating large meteorite impacts on Earth
· Dating the eruption of ancient giant volcanic provinces such as the Deccan in India and young volcanoes around the world

· Dating overgrowths on minerals to date the timing of oil migration
· Dating detrital minerals to investigate the tectonics of source areas and development of sand and mud bodies in sedimentary basins.