The Crustal Processes Research Group investigates the evolution of the Earth's crust, and its interrelationships with the mantle, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. It utilises a wide range of techniques, including field studies, geochemistry (whole-rock, mineral, trace element and isotopic), geochronology, fluid inclusion studies, remote surveying and GIS, and tectonic analysis. Group research is focussed on four inter-related themes, all with strong international links.

Large Scale Magmatic and Volcanic Processes. What are the causes and mechanisms of large volcanic eruptions - explosive, caldera-forming events, and flood basalts - and what are their effects on the environment? What is the role of mantle plumes in the formation of large igneous provinces (LIPs)? These are some of the questions that this group is currently addressing.

Earth Sytems Processes. A topic that pervades all of our groups, from the role of flood basalts in mass extinctions, to the use of Se isotopes to evaluate the evolution of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans.

Tectonics and Sedimentology. An international team working in Mongolia is seeking to understand the processes of intracontinental mountain building and the formation of associated sedimentary basins. Closely allied research is investigating the tectonic and climatological controls on sedimentation, and the evolution of depositional systems using well-log analysis and geochemistry. Geochronology, especially U-Pb (zircon and monazite) techniques, is used to determine the rates of tectonic and sedimentological processes, from mountain building to the diagenesis of mudrocks.

Fluid Processes. This topic includes studies of the hydrogeology and structure of the oceanic crust, and of volcanically-driven mineralisation in active and fossil geothermal systems.

For details, see the Crustal Processes Group webpages on the Geology Extranet