Petrology & Microstructure

Crustal evolution at University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus

My group's research is focused on understanding the chemical and physical processes operating deep within a terrestrial planet's crust. We work on a range of topics from mineralizing system, regional tectonics to the bioavailability and geochemical cycling of life-essential elements. Our approach combines thermodynamics and field observation with the study of mineral microstructure and crystallography. By integrating elements of material sciences, petrology and solid-state chemistry we view the processes that underpin telluric crustal evolution as long-term drivers of planetary habitability. To gain new insights into these processes, we combine high-resolution electron microscopy data (SEM-EBSD, TEM, microXRF, CL) with petrological and chemical modelling.  

To find out more about current and upcoming research projects, check out the student opportunities page and get in touch.

News

  • June 2024: article on Taltson-Thelon magmatic evolution published in G3 
  • May 2024: new method published – detrital biotite Rb-Sr geochronology 
  • January 2024: congrats to Dr. Mckenzie on two articles in GSA Bulletin & CJMP
  • September 2023: article on the geochronology of the Great Slave Lake shear zone published in Tectonics
  • August 2023: article on the Hindu Raj published in Geological magazine
  • June 2023: new paper on metasomatism in the Himalaya published in Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology​
  • November 2021: article on convection in high-silica granite published in Geology​
  • April 2021: new research published in Astrophysical Journal Letters that explores the importance of core formation for planetary evolution.
​​Dr. Brendan Dyck
Associate Professor
Dept of Earth, Environment and Geographical Sciences 
University of British Columbia,
Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7
Canada

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (+1) 778-782-5389
Clip from our expedition to the Skaergaard intrusion in East Greenland