Isotopic and trace element signatures in basaltic rocks from hotspot areas hold the key to the understanding of an important phenomenon, that is plume in the mantle. Mantle plums are believed to have created hot spots on the globe and with subsequent volcanism formed many sea mount chains. In this award, the principal investigator will analyze rocks from Cobb- Eickelberg seamount chain which is a product of near ridge hot spot activity and rocks from Marquesas islands formed by intraplate hot spot activity. These two localities are differnt in their geologic settings. the objective is to determine the hot spot structures, heterogeneity and the extent of lithospheric assimilation during melt production at these locations. This research will help us to understand mantle geochemistry at hot spot areas. Dr. Duncan is an excellent researcher with an established track record and the chance of success in this project is very high.
