An exhausted Tony Fowler
after 6 hours climbing steep
muddy trails in Desolation Valley, Dominica (Feb.02) |
Although my Ph.D. was done in the field of geochemistry,
my research interests lie in the study of patterns
in minerals and rocks, particularly igneous
rocks and mineral ores, and Archean volcanology.
We have only recently realized that many of the
spectacular textures and structures of Earth Sciences
are due to a process called self-organization,
wherein pattern arises spontaneously as a result
of growth processes, and not from growth on a pre-existing
template. Recent
studies with graduate students and colleagues
include work on the dynamics of oscillatory mineral
zoning (plagioclase, sphalerite and zircon), "colloform" sphalerite,
spinifex olivine of komatiites, development of varioles
in Archean volcanic rocks, and plumose fracture patterns.
An underlying theme of the work is the use of nonlinear,
wavelet, or fractal techniques (e.g. Fowler
and Roach 1993) in order to quantify the pattern
or distribution. Having this information we have
been succsessful in making some simple simulations
and models (Fowler et. al., 2002; Fowler and Roach,
1996; Roach et. al., 1993; Fowler et. al., 1989)
that capture the essence of the process, and with
my colleague Ivan L’heureux (Dep’t.
of Physics) some robust dynamical models.
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A
recently completed and related satellite project (with
colleague Tim Patterson and Post-Doc Andreas Prokoph)
involved the use of nonlinear and wavelet techniques
in the study of foram evolution (Patterson and Fowler,
1986; Prokoph et. al., 2001). I derive great enjoyment
in combining field and petrographic observation, with
modern analytical techniques in order to understand and
model how a particular system works.
My other interests include water sports, in particular
tall-ship sailing, and wilderness exploring. I try and
keep a couple of vintage Land
Rovers in running order for field work and family wilderness
trips. I have been particularly lucky in that I have been
able to lead several Caribbean
field trips aboard tall ships. |
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