Mantle xenolith with vein from Calatrava, Spain
Principal Investigator
Project summary
- Focus: Identifying and characterising materials erupted in volcanic carbonatite provinces
Museum scientists are using petrology and geochemistry to investigate the magma production processes taking place under Earth's surface in Calatrava, Spain.
The volcanic rocks in Calatrava are well exposed as vegetation in the area is sparse. They contain spectacular examples of mantle xenoliths along with some good examples of magmatic carbonate.
Research focus
We are studying mantle xenoliths from depths of up to 50 kilometres to identify and geochemically characterise mantle materials erupted in volcanic carbonatite provinces.
We can use variations between xenoliths to track the changing composition of melts as they react with the mantle.
Origins, evolution and futures research
We study the Earth's origins and environment, and the evolution of life.
Mineral and planetary sciences research
Investigating the origins and evolution of Earth and our solar system.
Rock collection
The Museum's rock collection consists of approximately 123,000 samples collected from around the world.