A step-change in volcanic arc petrogenesis

Subduction zones and arcs are the most tectonically active regions on Earth, crucial to understanding geochemical cycles, tectonic-climate coupling, ore genesis and natural hazards. This project tests a new hypothesis for the long-recognised but poorly understood bimodal chemical character of arc crust: that the two types of magmas originate from distinct mantle sources. It takes the innovative approach of integrating novel high-pressure experiments (Leeds, UK) with database analysis (UniSA) and studies of natural volcanic rocks (UTas), covering magmatic systems from mantle source to volcano. This project will develop a step-change in our understanding of arc processes, including the association of economic metals with arc volcanism.