MIT Experimental Petrology Laboratory

Professor Grove's research focus is on the processes that have led to the chemical differentiation of the crust and mantle of the Earth and on the processes of formation and evolution of the interiors of other planets, including the moon, Mars, and meteorite parent bodies.

Earth research combines field investigations, petrologic studies, isotope and trace element geochemistry and laboratory experiments to develop models of the physical characteristics and conditions of chemical differentiation. The input from field and petrologic studies is essential and motivates the experimental investigations. The experiments provide the quantitative input for developing models of the complex processes that occur during planetary differentiation.

The experiments include phase equilibrium studies of solid - melt and solid - solid reactions, solid - liquid trace element partitioning and kinetic studies of element diffusion and nucleation and growth of crystals from liquid. Laboratory experiments are carried out directly at the relevant elevated pressures and temperatures. The development of new experimental techniques has allowed examination of the role of H2O in magmatic processes. The results of the experiments are used with thermodynamic and kinetic theory to develop models of physical conditions and chemical exchange processes.