Volcanoes are mysterious. Many questions remain about how and why they erupt. Dr. Gary Michelfelder, associate professor of geology, leads research at five active volcanoes in the Central Andes of Chile and Bolivia that just might provide some answers. These volcanoes have one important thing in common: a large reservoir of magma, the molten rock material of Earth’s … [Read more...] about Answering some of volcanoes’ burning questions
This is an exciting opportunity for students to research and study petrology and geochemistry with Dr. Michelfelder. The NSF grant is a new project, research and development, standard grant that will go through June 30, 2023. The project title is, "RUI: Tracking magma accumulation and evolution in the Andean Central Volcanic Zone" … [Read more...] about Dr. Gary Michelfelder receives NSF grant
The Geoswift Mapper, by Leptron, is the newest addition to the Geovisualization Lab at Missouri State University. It will be used for aerial imagery research. Watch the time-lapse video of the assembly and pre-flight checks. The drone has two camera options. The fixed-wing construction allows for longer flight time to map large areas. Its GPS offers centimeter-accuracy for … [Read more...] about GGP acquires an important research tool
Like us, rocks are always on the move. But at a much slower pace. Rocks at the base of Earth’s crust rise to the surface over time. The length of time the unburial process takes remains unknown in most mountain regions. Dr. Matt McKay, assistant professor of geology, studies how that length of time shapes the construction of the western United States. “Knowing … [Read more...] about Unearthing history, one rock at a time
Dr. McKay will collaborate with Dr. Sean Long at Washington State University. They will assist and support students in a recently funded project. Multiple MSU MS students, a WSU PhD student and undergraduate students at both institutions will be included. The study will focus on a better understanding of how continents are built. The collision of volcanic islands, like Japan to … [Read more...] about Researching the Tectonics of the Pacific Northwest