We conduct research on mineral deposits, volcanoes, tectonics, and more
Focus Areas
Ore Genesis
We use a combination of geochemical and geophysical tools to understand the formation of mineral deposits.
Volcanoes
We maintain an active volcanology program, including study of both active and ancient volcanic centers.
Mineral Exploration
We combine mapping, fundamental field geology, and modern tools to train students for the mineral exploration industry.
Everything else
If there’s a rock involved, we care about it! We have active projects on Alaskan tectonics, thermochronology, geochronology, paleomagnetism, geomorphology…
Examples
Ag-Co-Ni, Ontario
Cobalt has emerged as one of the most important metals for the production of batteries and other technology needed to power the modern world. This project focuses on the complex thermal and structural history of the Cobalt mining district in northern Ontario, and its associated Ag-Ni-Co-As-Bi deposits. The magnetic geothermometer that Dr. Biasi has developed is very well suited to understanding the complex thermal history of this area. Results from this unique study will help us to improve the genetic model of the five-element assemblage and aid in ongoing exploration efforts.
Active Metallogenesis
Most ore deposits are fossilized – they are no longer forming new minerals of economic interest. However, we know that new deposits are currently forming in the subsurface in many geologic settings. The magnetic monitoring technique that Dr. Biasi has developed can allow us to observe metallogenic processes (magmatic or hydrothermal) as they occur in real-time. Such observations could help us create better genetic models of fossilized deposits. We are currently working on deployments to study active Cu-porphyry mineralization.
Examples
Copper King Deposit, Wyoming
In this project, we’re characterizing the Copper King Au-Cu deposit near Cheyenne, WY. The main activities of the project are to characterize the geochemistry, structural geology, and mineral paragenesis of the deposit. The ultimate goal is to create a genetic history and determine a deposit model.
Mine Drainage, Wyoming
This project focuses on the impact of historical mining activity on local watersheds in southeast Wyoming. We are investigating whether mines of different ages, types, and deposits have different effects on local water quality.
Examples
Intrusion Lifetimes and Magma Transport
Dr. Biasi has come up with a fairly novel way to determine the active ‘lifetime’ of any igneous intrusion. Here ‘lifetime’ is defined as the amount of time that the intrusion is actively transporting magma. The technique uses a combination of petrology, paleomagnetism, and thermal modeling. We have been applying this technique to various dikes, sills, and plutons across North America.
Alaskan Tectonics
This project focuses on the geochemistry, paleomagnetism, and paleogeography of a large ophiolite belt in Interior/Northern Alaska. These ophiolites are severely understudied and poorly understood, but are probably a key link between the tectonic history of Northern and Southern Alaska.
MEDAL Group 