Christopher Koteas
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Office of the Massachusetts State Geologist

Interests in igneous and metamorphic petrology, structural geology, and Appalachian tectonics


My Ph.D. research focused on the construction and evolution of shallow granitic plutons in the upper crust and the generation of granitic partial melt in the deep crust. Active field research is centered on the Schoodic Peninsula in eastern coastal Maine and the Fehr granite in the Athabasca Granulite Terrane in northern Saskatchewan . Multiple analytical techniques are being employed to better understand the generation and transport or partial melt and emplacement of granitic plutons. Avenues currently being explored include: qualitative textural studies using traditional petrographic techniques as well as mapping with a Cameca SX50 electron microprobe, quantitative approaches include whole rock major and trace element geochemistry via XRF and ICP-MS, TIMS whole rock isotope studies, micro-drilled plagioclase single crystal isotope geochemistry, hornblende barometry, single crystal microgeochemical analyses of major phases, and FTIR studies of plagioclase, quartz, and hornblende devitrified and non-devitrified melt inclusions.

My current research with the Office of the Massachusetts State Geologist is funded by the Department of Energy Geothermal Research Initiative and focuses on better understanding the geothermal potential of granitoids in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

 

Morrill Sciences Center (Room 12)
Department of Geosciences, 611 N. Pleasant St.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003

 

Department Phone: (413) 545-2286                                                                                                                                 MINERALOGY (311) Fall 2008
Fax: (413) 545-1200

Office Phone: (413) 545-0175
e-mail: ckoteas@geo.umass.edu
 

Maine Geological Survey

Acadia Partners/ SERC

Sally the Dog soaking in mid-day summer sun.

 

Evidence of mechanical mingling from exposure along the eastern margin of the Schoodic Peninsula, Maine.

 

Evidence of chemical mingling within the Gouldsboro pluton, eastern coastal Maine .

Our field vessel beached on some nice low water exposures of mafic and felsic magma interaction.

 Eldorado Mountains, southern Nevada.

 

Field work with Heather Bleick, left, and Thomas Steinwinder, top, in southern Nevada.