The University of British Columbia

Oceanic basalts related to hotspot activity represent the best samples geochemists have to characterize the composition of regions of the mantle other than the asthenospheric mantle sampled by the mid-oceanic ridge system. Isotope ratios act as source “finger-prints”, as they are not fractionated by magmatic processes, hence they are a very powerful geochemical tool for identifying and characterizing different mantle components.

Scientific dredging and drilling (e.g. DSDP, ODP, IODP and ICDP) has become an important sampling method to carry out detailed petrologic and geochemical studies on key stratigraphically controlled samples, providing unique access to a continuous record of magmatic processes and mantle evolution. As part of two major international research programs (ICDP and IODP), the key contribution of my project is the detailed study of Pb, Hf, Sr and Nd isotopes on key stratigraphically controlled samples from Hawai’i in the Pacific Ocean and the Ninetyeast Ridge in the Indian Ocean, as a tool to understand the chemical evolution of two deep long-lived mantle plumes. Continuing on previous work from previous HSDP phases, combined with new analyses on new samples from Kauai for Hawaii and new samples from the NER for Kerguelen, the high-precision isotopic results obtained during the course of this study by means of careful sample preparation and subsequent analysis using state-of-the-art analytical instruments such as the MC-ICP-MS, will allow for a better resolution of the components involved in both Hawaii and Kerguelen mantle plumes.

Modeling and integrated interpretation of the isotopic compositions obtained will help to distinguish the different mantle source components in the plume structure, and to constrain their spatial distribution and compositional evolution with time within the Hawaiian and Kerguelen plumes. Comparison of the geochemical structure of these two distinct mantle plume systems will help to evaluate the differences in mantle sources, melting processes and tectonic settings in the generation of such different geochemical characteristics. Considering the D’’ layer as the source region of mantle plumes, comparison between these two case studies, will ultimately help to better understand the origin and evolution of the compositional heterogeneities at the base of the mantle, how these heterogeneities are incorporated into mantle plumes and are brought to the Earth’s surface.

Experience

2007-2011, Research Assistant (RA) at the Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research (PCIGR).
Jan.-Apr. 2006 and 2007, Graduate Teaching Assistant (TA), EOSC 327 Introduction to Geochemistry. Supervisor: Dr. Dominique Weis and Dr. James Scoates. 

Awards and Scholarships

2011, Goldschmidt International Student Travel Grant
2005­–2009, UBC Ph.D. Tuition Fee Award
2007, Goldschmidt International Student Travel Grant
2005, Thomas and Marguerite MacKay Memorial Scholarship
2004–2008, Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia  (FCT) Ph.D. Fellowship
2004–2005, UBC International Student Partial Tuition Scholarship
2002/2003, Bolsa de Mérito da Universidade de Lisboa (University of Lisbon Excellence Award)
1998/1999, Prémio da Fundação da FCUL (FCUL Honour Award)