TAPP
Petrogenesis of kimberlites: melt-SCLM interactions
One of our main research areas in the TAPP group is related to the study of kimberlites and their mantle cargo. We investigate the origin and evolution of the kimberlite magma from source to surface primarily using the composition of complexly zoned olivine grains.
Diamond growth and destruction in the SCLM
South Africa has a rich heritage of diamond research. In 2022, I began a new line of research looking at diamond morphology to constrain growth and destruction events that occurred in the mantle. This research takes on two primary approaches: 1) X-ray CT tomography of diamondiferous xenoliths and 2) The study of diamond morphology using diamond parcels sourced from mines and the John J. Gurney collection
Martian meteorites and planetary petrology
A primary goal of the TAPP group is to develop research into planetary petrology. Currently, this is focussed on the study of martian meteorites. We have three graduate students currently working on various projects looking to constrain volcanism on Mars by study these fragments from the red planet.