Large magmatic arcs like the Sierra Nevada batholith (SNB) (see figure below) are characterized by long and complicated deformational histories punctuated by short periods of voluminous magmatism. Emplacement of large volumes of magma in relatively short periods of time serve to transfer enormous amount of heat and mass in the crust, which certainly influences both local and regional tectonics. Therefore, understanding the physical and chemical evolution of plutons that make up these arcs provides insight into one component of how orogens evolve and how continents grow.
The research outlined here encompasses studies from various localities in the SNB with the overriding theme of understanding the processes involved in pluton emplacement and how magmatic systems evolve through time. The research areas located on the figure below include Cretaceous aged plutons from the central SNB, namely the Jackass Lakes pluton (JLP) and the plutons of the Mitchell Intrusive Suite (MIS). Each area offers a different perspective on how magmatic systems evolve and have provided insights into both local/regional geologic problems as well as fundamental processes that operate during magma ascent/emplacement. Click on the research locations on the map to find out more about the research taking place there.
