The fundamental theme underlying research in the Geochemistry and Petrology group is to understand the processes responsible for the distribution and interaction of chemical species, minerals, and rocks comprising the solid earth, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Research in each group is described below briefly.

Prof. Phil Brown's research program focuses on understanding the origin of Archean gold and nickel deposits using fluid inclusion observations, electron microprobe and stable isotope analyses, and infrared spectroscopy.

Research in the Radiogenic Isotope Lab group, directed by Prof. Clark Johnson and Dr. Brian Beard, covers a wide range of geochemical investigations from geochronology to tracing crust and mantle evolution to studying the origin and evolution of Fe metabolism in living organisms.

Prof. John Valley's research interests range from metamorphic and igneous evolution of the crust to sedimentary diagenesis and paleoclimate. Projects generally stress an integrated approach to field-oriented studies, combining stable isotopes, petrology, and other geochemistry. This research is conducted with assistance from Mike Spicuzza who manages the Stable Isotope Laboratory and Dr. Noriko Kita who directs the Ion Microprobe Lab.

Prof. Brad Singer's research focuses on understanding basic processes that shaped the surficial parts of the Pleistocene and older Earth and the history of the geomagnetic field. 40Ar/39Ar and cosmogenic surface exposure dating methods are used together with geologic field and geochemical data to resolve temporal records of volcanism, glaciation, sedimentation, and reversals of the geodynamo. This research is carried out with the assistance of Dr. Brian Jicha, manager of the Rare Gas Geochronology Laboratory.