Robert Luth
Contact
Professor, Faculty of Science - Earth & Atmospheric Sciences Admin
- rluth@ualberta.ca
- Phone
- (780) 492-2740
- Address
-
1.10 Earth Sciences Building
11223 Saskatchewan Drive NWEdmonton ABT6G 2E3
Overview
Research
Research area
Igneous petrology, experimental geochemistry
Research interest
My research aims to understand the present state and evolution of the Earth's mantle by high-pressure, high-temperature experimental studies and thermodynamic modelling. My particular interest is in the role of volatiles in mantle processes, and how volatiles such as carbon and water behave in the mantle.
Current projects include experimental studies on (1) the buffering capacity of mantle peridotite and implications for diamond formation, (2) melting of carbonated harzburgite, (3) interaction of carbonatitic melts with mantle peridotite, and (4) the synthesis of diamond in systems analogous to nature.
Recent graduate student projects include (1) the near-liquidus phase relationships of primitive minette, (2) the melting behavior of mica-clinopyroxenites as models for vein assemblages in the lithospheric mantle, (3) the stability of phlogopite in peridotites, and (4) the effect of halogens on hydrous mantle melting.
Recent undergraduate projects have been on melt inclusions, diamond growth, and alkaline igneous rocks in Alberta and British Columbia.
Research opportunities
PhD and MSc projects are available for students interested in experimental studies of mantle processes and products.
Courses
EAS 100 - Planet Earth
Introduction to the origin and evolution of the Earth and the solar system. Introduction to plate tectonics and the rock cycle. Simple energy balances and interactions between radiation and the atmosphere, land, oceans, ice masses, and the global hydrological cycle. Evolution of life, biogeography, and global climate in the context of geologic time. The carbon cycle. Human interaction with the Earth. Mineral and energy resources. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has been obtained in EAS 200 or 201.
EAS 200 - Introductory Studies in Earth Science
Laboratory study of topics in introductory Earth Science. EAS 200 and EAS 201 are considered to be equivalent to EAS 100 for prerequisite purposes. Not available to students with credit in EAS 100, 101, EAS 210 or SCI 100. Prerequisite: EAS 201.
EAS 201 - Earth Science I
A non-laboratory introduction to the origin and evolution of the Earth and the solar system. Introduction to plate tectonics and the rock cycle. Simple energy balances and interactions between radiation and the atmosphere, land, oceans, ice masses, and the global hydrological cycle. Evolution of life, biogeography, and global climate in the context of geologic time. The carbon cycle. Human interactions with the Earth. Mineral and energy resources. This course may not be taken for credit if credit has been obtained in EAS 100 or 210. (Note: EAS 201 and EAS 200 are considered to be equivalent to EAS 100 for prerequisite purposes). [Faculty of Science]