Research

Study of non-linear geochemical systems driven far from equilibrium by deterministic and/or stochastic processes. We are interested in pattern formation in rocks and minerals, such as Liesegang periodic precipitation bands (Mississippi-Valley Type sphalerite, sapropels) and oscillatory zoning (plagioclase, barite-celestite). We study biogeochemical processes in the context of early diagenesis of aquatic environments (phosphorus cycle, water column chemistry, gaseous methane cycle, forest rings, hydrothermal vents). We explore modelling aspects of magmatic dynamics (kinetics of volatile bubbles formation in magmas, dynamics of volcanic plumes) and pattern formation in igneous systems (spherulite, cyclic layering, stellate plagioclase).