Project Description
The goal of this project is to better understand the relationship between magmatism and an ancient tectonic event in Wisconsin. A series of granite bodies formed by intrusion of magma into the crust extends from New Mexico to northeastern Canada and dates to approximately 1.5 – 1.4 billion years ago. These bodies were considered examples of “anorogenic granites”, meaning they formed in an unusual setting unrelated to plate tectonic collisions. Many of these bodies are now understood to be associated with newly recognized tectonic collisions, putting the concept of “anorogenic granites” into question. One of these collisions is in Wisconsin, and its timing puts the nature of the Wausau Syenite Complex (WSC) into question as among the last hypothesized “anorogenic” granites across North America. We are studying the WSC using magnetic mineral alignments and paleomagnetic directional data to understand the flow direction and relative timing of magmas that cooled to form the WSC. Together, these data will help determine if all or parts of the WSC were emplaced in a regime related to a tectonic boundary.
Tasks and Responsibilites
The student will participate in field work to collect rock samples using a specially designed drill. On campus, they will assist in using rock saws to cut the cores into the appropriate cylinders needed for the magnetic analyses. They will be responsible for keeping accurate sample labels and spreadsheets. The student will then work in the Paleomagnetism Lab using equipment designed to measure the paleomagnetic orientation preserved in the rocks. They will learn how to collect and responsibly interpret the data, and they will plot the orientation results. They will be part of the team interpreting how the results relate to the tectonic setting. They will present their work at the UWM Undergraduate Research Symposium and the Department of Geosciences Student Research Symposium.
Desired Qualifications
None Listed.