Terry Blackburn

Associate Professor

terryb@ucsc.edu

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 Sheets.

 

Gavin Piccione

PhD Student

gpiccion@ucsc.edu

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.

 

 

 

Jessica Gagliardi

PhD Student

jgagliardi@ucsc.edu

Part of Jessica’s ongoing research looks to examine the relationship between the timing of subglacial calcite precipitation and periods of Southern Ocean warming.

 

Sophia Pintar

Undergraduate Student

Sophia’s ongoing research looks and the changes in subglacial water chemistry and timescales of flushing recorded by subglacial precipitates from East Antartica that formed during the last interglacial.

 

Former lab members:

 

Graham Edwards

PhD completed 2021

https://grahamedwards.github.io/