Matt Jackson

My research uses stable and radiogenic isotope systems to develop methods to explore the long-term geochemical evolution of the Earth. A central theme in my research is the connections between the Earth’s surface (lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere) and the deep mantle. Subducted oceanic lithosphere may be recycled back to the shallow mantle and melted beneath intraplate hotspot volcanoes, arcs, back-arc basins and mid-ocean ridges. My group seeks signatures of ancient surface-derived materials in young lavas erupted at oceanic hotspots, to better constrain the rock cycle from subduction zones to plume-fed hotspots. In the modern rock record, we also prospect for signatures of early-Earth reservoirs that have survived since shortly after terrestrial accretion. Recently, my research has turned toward marrying geochemistry with constraints offered by seismology and geodynamics, with the goal of better constraining the geochemical structure of the mantle. While I am a solid-Earth geochemist by training, I seek out collaborations with researchers across a broad range of disciplines. I enjoy working with researchers with specializations outside of my field, including petrologists, seismologists, geodynamicists, paleoclimate scientists, and more. These collaborations provide a broader context for my geochemical research and help to identify new applications for my geochemistry toolbox.