Solving the iron oxidation conundrum in mantle-derived magmatic systems

I will investigate the cause for relative oxidation of melts at convergent margins compared to open-ocean ridge basalts. Substantial differences in melt production, explosivity, ore deposition or modes of crustal formation relate to the redox-state of magmas, yet reasons for observed differences remain elusive. To unravel the oxidising agent in melts, I employ state-of-the-art analytical techniques, use novel isotope tracers and study unique sample suites from Australia and the Caribbean. The identification of this agent and associated oxidation processes will provide new perspectives for the generation of melts in island arc volcanoes and will be useful for mineral exploration of e.g., noble metals.