Instructors
Dr. Peter SchiffmanPetrology and mineralogy of active and fossil hydrothermal systems in terrestrial and submarine settings; weathering, palagonitization, and biomineralization of basalt glass; mineralogy of equine enteroliths and urinary calculi in dogs, cats, and horses. Recent projects of my research group include (1) environmental controls on the alteration of Surtseyan tephra deposits at Kilauea Volcano (Hawaii), (2) low temperature alteration and hydrothermal metamorphism of hyaloclastites from the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project's 3-km drillhole, and (3) high temperature alteration of basaltic deposits related to the Icelandic Deep Drilling Project, Reykjanes and Krafla geothermal systems.
schiffman@geology.ucdavis.edu; (530) 752-3669
Dr. Robert Zierenberg
Aqueous geochemistry; stable isotope geochemistry; economic geology. Research has focused on water/rock interaction in active and ancient hydrothermal systems, including the "black smokers" on the mid-ocean ridges. Recent work includes investigation of seafloor hydrothermal systems on sediment-covered portions of the northern Juan de Fuca Ridge and southern Gorda Ridge during Leg 169 of the Ocean Drilling Program. Ancient analogs of seafloor hydrothermal systems investigated include the Turner-Albright massive sulfide deposit in the Josephine Ophiolite, OR, and the Red Dog Pb-Zn-Ag deposit in the Brooks Range, AK. Other interests include the environmental effects of mining, particularly the generation of acid mine drainage, mercury contamination in Clear Lake related to the abandoned Sulphur Bank Hg mine, and the geochemical and biological cycling of sulfur.
zierenberg@geology.ucdavis.edu; (530) 752-1863
