Dr. Yaakov Weiss

 

Our research group focuses on the recycling of volatiles such as carbon and hydrogen from the surface to the deep Earth and their relation to the evolution of oceanic and continental crust through time.  We combine petrologic, geochemical, and spectroscopic work to study the igneous samples that cover the spectrum of mantle compositional ‘flavors’, as monitors of deep Earth processes.

In particular, we work with diamonds and specialize in the analyses of their microinclusions. Such inclusions contain the most pristine samples of deep carbon- and water-rich (C-O-H) mantle fluids. Their high volatile content, strong enrichment in incompatible elements, and possible relation to subduction processes, make them a key player in the global circulation of volatiles. They elucidate the origin of various types of deep mantle fluids, the relationship between them and their host diamonds, and the metasomatic processes that led to their formation. 

The long-term intent is to remedy the full spectrum of deep mantle carbon- and water-rich (C-O-H) fluids, provide a first-order understanding of the role of such fluids in transporting volatiles and incompatible elements between mantle and crustal reservoirs, and link tectonic events in the shallow continental crust and chemical events involving C-O-H fluids in the deep mantle.

 

Research Methods

We combine petrographic, geochemical and spectroscopic work using various analytical capabilities including LA-ICP-MS, EPMA, TEM, TIMS and Raman and infrared spectroscopy, to study the minerals and fluids trapped in diamonds and the composition of igneous magmas.

Research Studants

Yael Kempe (PhD student)

Sharon Viater (MSc student)

Miriam Sokol (MSc student)

 Pazi Shacham (volunteer)

Contact Information

Yaakov Weiss | yakov.weiss@mail.huji.ac.il

Lab Manager - Ofir Tirosh | ofirtirosh@gmail.com