Research
Our lab investigates fundamental volatile geochemical processes currently across four major collaborative initiatives spanning volcanology, continental rifting, atmospheric chemistry, and limnic hazard assessment. Integrating gas chemical compositions and stable isotopes (S, C, H, O, N) measured in the UCSB Volatiles Lab with collaborations in noble gas isotopes, we examine sulfur reactions in subduction-zone hydrothermal systems, billion-year gas storage and liberation during cratonic breakup, and magmatic gas accumulation in deep lakes like Lake Kivu. In collaboration with experts in global chemical-transport modeling (GEOS-Chem) we quantify global passive volcanic H2S fluxes. Together, these projects advance our understanding of planetary volatile budgets, eruption forecasting, natural aerosol radiative forcing, and critical gas resources (He, H2, CH4).
We advance technology for volcanic gas collection and in-situ measurements using UAVs. This enables our team to collect gas composition, isotope and flux data during volcanic eruptions. Our team also works on remote sensing of volcanic emissions using newly-developed ground-based camera systems.
