Collaborative research: understanding magma sources and formation through experiments and modeling

The National Science Foundation Division of Earth Sciences awarded the Regents of the University of Minnesota, doing business as University of Minnesota Duluth, $166,527 on August 1, 2026, for collaborative research on magma formation and mantle melting processes.

The research uses high-pressure and high-temperature laboratory experiments to determine the iron oxidation state (Fe³⁺/Fe) of peridotites in magma source regions within Earth's mantle by analyzing measured iron oxidation states of basalts. The team will conduct new experiments producing liquids saturated in either garnet peridotite or spinel peridotite residue and analyze Fe₂O₃ in these phases using electron microprobe and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analyses. Results will update an empirical model of mantle melting to investigate oxygen fugacity under various conditions and test whether differences in source oxygen fugacity between mid-ocean ridge basalts and oceanic island basalts can be explained by melting in different stability fields (spinel versus garnet). The team will share the updated mathematical model with other researchers and develop the U.S. STEM workforce through training in cutting-edge laboratory and modeling techniques, with public engagement programs planned.

Performance occurs at Duluth, Minnesota from August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2029. The award funds research under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050), which supports basic research to strengthen the national scientific enterprise and increase understanding of the integrated Earth system.

Abstract

This project will use high-pressure and high-temperature laboratory experiments to simulate processes of magma formation. Researchers will study different electrical charges of iron in earth?S mantle and how differing conditions affect key earth processes. Examples include the production of volcanic gases, the concentration of critical minerals and ores, and the formation of diamonds. The team will then use the experimental results to develop a mathematical model and that model will be shared with other researchers to answer their own questions about how magmas form on earth. The team will develop the U.S. Stem workforce by training students and researchers in cutting-edge laboratory and modeling techniques. Members of the public will be able to learn about this research through public programs. Outcomes of this project will aid in strengthening national economic prosperity and global competitiveness. The proposed project is a combined experimental, analytical, and modeling campaign with the major goal of determining the FE3+/?FE of peridotites in magma source regions in earth?S mantle by inverting measured FE3+/?FE of basalts. They will test whether differences in source oxygen fugacity between mid-ocean ridges basalts (MORB) and oceanic island basalts (OIB) may be accounted for by the difference between melting in the spinel stability field (MORB) versus the garnet stability field (OIB). New experiments will produce liquids saturated in either a garnet peridotite or spinel peridotite residue. FE2O3 in these phases will be analyzed by a combination of electron microprobe and X-RAY absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analyses. FE2O3 mineral/melt partition coefficients relevant to melting in the spinel and garnet stability fields will update an empirical model of mantle melting that will allow investigation of the oxygen fugacity of melting under a range of possible temperature regimes and source peridotite compositions. This open-source model will be available for other researchers to use and modify for their own research questions. This project will train one masters student and one postdoctoral researcher in experimental petrology, microanalytical techniques, thermodynamics, and numerical modeling. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications as well as to lay audiences through public programs at smithsonian?S national museum of natural history in washington D.C. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.