description Terry Plank Overview
Terry Plank is a geochemist and professor at Columbia University who specializes in studying the volatile contents of magmas at subduction zones. Her research utilizes mineral inclusions preserved in volcanic crystals to reconstruct the concentrations of water and other elements in arc magmas. Plank has conducted field research at numerous subduction zone volcanoes worldwide, including those in Central America, the Aleutians, and the Marianas. She was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2016 and received the Macelwane Medal from the American Geophysical Union for her contributions to understanding Earth processes.
help Terry Plank FAQ
What does Terry Plank study?
Terry Plank is a geochemist and professor at Columbia University who specializes in studying the volatile contents of magmas at subduction zones. She focuses on understanding how water and other gases cycle through the Earth's interior.
How does Terry Plank measure the water content in magma?
Her research utilizes mineral inclusions, specifically tiny pockets of melt preserved inside volcanic crystals. By analyzing these trapped inclusions, she can reconstruct the concentrations of water and other elements present before the volcano erupted.
Why is Terry Plank's research on subduction zones important?
Her work is critical because water released from subducting tectonic plates lowers the melting point of rock, directly triggering volcanic eruptions. Understanding this process helps geologists better model the explosive potential of arc volcanoes around the world.
Has Terry Plank received any major awards for her work?
Yes, in 2013 she was awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, commonly known as the 'Genius Grant,' for her innovative research in geochemistry. She has also received high honors from the American Geophysical Union for her contributions to volcanology.
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