Material Science of the Earth

 The petrology group focuses on metamorphic and igneous rocks, including mantle peridotite. By chemically analyzing rock-forming minerals and fluid inclusions, and through field work and theoretical studies, we aim to understand the correlation between temperature, pressure, time, deformation and fluid activity in the rocks formed at convergent plate boundaries in order to take on the challenge of understanding the magnificent dynamics of the solid earth.
 The mineralogy group focuses on the properties and origins of rock-forming minerals as primary components of the earth and other planets. We aim to understand mineral forming processes and thermal/stress histories after their formation, based on observations, analysis, experimental and theoretical studies of crystal structure, chemical composition and microstructure of minerals.

Member

Name Research fields Affiliation
Professor
Masaaki OBATA
Petrology Department of Geology and Mineralogy
Professor
Takao HIRAJIMA
Petrology Department of Geology and Mineralogy
Associate Professor
Norimasa SHIMOBAYASHI
Mineralogy Department of Geology and Mineralogy
Associate Professor
Akira MIYAKE
Mineralogy Department of Geology and Mineralogy
Assistant Professor
Tetsuo KAWAKAMI
Petrology Department of Geology and Mineralogy