Paper alert! Incipient continent formation by melting of altered mafic protocrust
Understanding the formation of Earth’s continental nuclei during the Archean eon is key to reconstructing early geodynamics, but direct evidence is scarce. We report a 3565 Ma melt-bearing amphibolite from the Sylvania Inlier, Pilbara Craton (Australia), predating most exposed rocks in the region. Its low δ¹⁸O values and melt compositions resemble evolved Hadean crust, suggesting a common source. Thermodynamic modelling indicates partial melting occurred at 680–720 °C and 0.8–1.0 GPa (~30 km depth). These findings support models of continental nucleus formation through shallow partial melting of hydrothermally altered mafic protocrust in high heat flow settings.
New paper out! Melt-Supported Strain Localization in Eclogites
In high-pressure settings dominated by dry mafic rocks, strain commonly localizes in eclogite, though the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study integrates field, microstructural, petrographic, and geochemical data to explore strain localization in eclogite-facies shear zones. Two distinct eclogitic assemblages are observed: a host-rock eclogite and sigmoidal enclaves originally formed as plagioclase-rich cumulates. Although initially weaker, the enclaves became stronger than the host during metamorphism, as evidenced by their shape and the development of ultramylonitic eclogite around them. The host deformed mainly through melt-assisted grain boundary sliding, while the enclaves deformed via dislocation creep and grain growth. These findings reveal a metamorphism-driven strength inversion that focused stress at lithological boundaries, promoting strain localization in the weaker eclogitic matrix. The study underscores the importance of compositional heterogeneity in controlling deformation at high pressures.
EGU 2025 | Latent heat of metamorphic reactions: boosting diffusion – hampering cooling
I had the pleasure to present some of our work, have some stimulating discussions and catch up with old friends. Great times!
Vienna, 30.05.2025
Interview with “Die Presse” regarding my research
I had the privilege to be interviewed by “Die Presse” for an online contribution around “young research” where I could give some insights about my research and career path (in german).
Graz, 09.03.2023
Receiving the W.E. Petraschek Award 2022 of the ÖAW
I am humbled and honored to receive the W.E. Petrascheck Award from the Austrian Academy of Sciences, which recognizes outstanding early-career earth scientists under 35 working in Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, or Slovenia.
Vienna, 31.01.2023