The ignimbrite flare-up is one of the defining events of the Cenozoic Era, with numerous fields in the western US and Mexico. In New Mexico, the flare-up generated the Mogollon-Datil and Boot Heel volcanic fields (36.5 - 24 Ma). These volcanic fields have been difficult to study, particularly in southern New Mexico, as exposures have been disrupted due to subsequent erosion and faulting.
My research in New Mexico, done as a part of my masters at New Mexico State University, had two aspects: (1) to assess the effectiveness of sanidine geochemistry as a tuff correlation tool, and (2) utilizing modern high-precision, single-crystal laser fusion argon geochronology, sanidine geochemistry, and whole rock geochemistry to assess the onset and tempo of volcanism.
Relevant Publications
Spatial and Temporal Variations of Eocene-Oligocene Caldera Volcanism in Southern New Mexico
Onset and tempo of ignimbrite flare-up volcanism in the eastern and central Mogollon-Datil Volcanic Field, southern New Mexico
My research in New Mexico, done as a part of my masters at New Mexico State University, had two aspects: (1) to assess the effectiveness of sanidine geochemistry as a tuff correlation tool, and (2) utilizing modern high-precision, single-crystal laser fusion argon geochronology, sanidine geochemistry, and whole rock geochemistry to assess the onset and tempo of volcanism.
Relevant Publications
Spatial and Temporal Variations of Eocene-Oligocene Caldera Volcanism in Southern New Mexico
Onset and tempo of ignimbrite flare-up volcanism in the eastern and central Mogollon-Datil Volcanic Field, southern New Mexico
Photo of Bell Top Formation tuff with large fiamme
Organ Caldera tuffs in the Organ Mountains, NM
Beautiful NM sunset
Bell Top Formation in Broad Canyon near Las Cruces, NM
View from Picacho Peak, NM
Looking south toward Florita Mountains, by Deming, NM
Juniper Caldera, Boot Heel
Boot Heel volcanic field
Photo of Bell Top Formation tuff with large fiamme
Organ Caldera tuffs in the Organ Mountains, NM
Beautiful NM sunset
Bell Top Formation in Broad Canyon near Las Cruces, NM
View from Picacho Peak, NM
Looking south toward Florita Mountains, by Deming, NM
Juniper Caldera, Boot Heel
Boot Heel volcanic field
