Terry Blackburn
Assistant Professor
Google Scholar
Measuring geologic time is of fundamental importance to understanding the history of our Earth. The age constraints provided by geochronology are necessary to determine the rates of many physical, chemical and biologic processes that shape our planet. My research focuses on the acquisition, and interpretation of geochronologic data. I focus on using the U-Pb and U-series systems, which are highly versatile, capable of building timelines for a variety of processes. My specific research projects are diverse, from reconstructing the size of the earliest forming planetesimals, to understanding the history of ice loss and stability in the Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Graham Edwards
PhD Student
The answer to the question “when?” is one of the most compelling parts of any geologic story and a cornerstone to the complete, meaningful interpretation of any geological process or event. My research utilizes isotopic measurement of U and its daughter radionuclides to provide the answer to “when?” in diverse geologic and planetary systems. I apply U-Pb ID-TIMS analyses on accessory phases to answer thermochronologic questions: xenolithic rutiles record the long-term cooling history of the Superior Craton/Province of the Canadian shield, and phosphates from ordinary chondrites provide insight into the formation, cooling, and disruption history of the chondrite parent bodies and the first ~100 Myrs of the Solar System. I use U-Series measurements of glaciogenic sediments to infer the relative and absolute timing of comminution (i.e. wearing down) of sediments to inform the time constraints of glacial and climatic histories.
Gavin Piccione
PhD Student
My research interests are focused on the improvement and application of the U-series and U-Pb isotopic systems as chronologic tools. Through the use of fieldwork, sample processing, U-series isotopic analyses, and numerical modeling, I am working to further develop a method to measure the timing of comminution (i.e. the reduction of particle size) of rocks in geologic systems. The ability to reliably date the timing of fine particle production will play a significant role in several Earth Science disciplines including glaciology, eolian and fluvial geomorphology, soil production, and fault dynamics. Currently, I am using comminution dating in several projects including: investigating the timing of glaciations in the Eastern Sierras, studying the frequency of earthquake activity on the San Andreas Fault, and examining the history of rock avalanches in the San Gabriel Mountains. Additionally, I am interested in the application of U-Pb thermochronology to accessory phases in ordinary chondrites to study the early accretion history of the solar system.
