Geochemistry and Lithosphere Geodynamics group (Geoquímica y Geodinámica Litosférica, GEOLITHOS)

Abstract

[EN] The Earth ́s crust has been shaped as result of the chemical differentiation processes behind the phenomena of magmatism and formation of igneous rocks, and the transformation of rocks by metamorphism. Magmatism and metamorphism are key to understand how the lithosphere dynamics and Earth’s plate tectonics system work. New oceanic crust is formed by melting of the mantle at spreading ocean ridges. As this newly formed crust ages and gets transformed by metamorphism, it becomes denser, collapsing and sinking into the mantle forming a subduction zone. New continental crust is formed in the volcanic arcs above subduction zones by flux melting of the down-going plateand the overlying mantle, generating new magmas that form a felsic, buoyant, and thicker continental crust. Subduction zones are destructive plate margins where oceans are been consumed leading to the collision of continental crust and the formation of orogenic belts. As a group, we are interested in these igneous and metamorphic processes and their fundamental role in shaping the dynamics of Earth ́s lithosphere. We have an extensive experience mapping metamorphic and igneous complexes in the Iberian Massif and overseas (e.g. Caribbean orogen, Angolan craton); and bridging fieldwork with detailed petrological and geochemical studies and instrumental analytical work. Our group is formed by scientist that belonged to the former Geology and Geophysics and the Analytical Laboratories units of IGME. Our common interest is the use of petrological tools and analytical instrumentation to decipher the geological evolution and architecture of the Earth ́s crust studying the texture, mineral and chemical composition ofigneous and metamorphic rocks.Peer reviewe