Dr. Robert Rapp is a Research Assistant Professor of University of New York at Stony Brook, who is a Visiting Professor with the Geodynamics Research Center from October, 2002. His expertise is in high-pressure and high- temperature experimental petrology and geo- chemistry, using primarily the multi-anvil apparatus.
　His research interests relate to the geochemical effects associated with deep recycling of crustal rocks in subduction zones. Related interests include the origin and growth of the earliest continental crust and the geochemical evolution of the continental lithosphere, and arc magma genesis and slab-mantle interactions in modern subduction zones. These issues are addressed through a combination of multi-anvil experiments and trace-element microprobe analyses.
His research with the GRC will focus on high- pressure phase equilibria and melting rela- tions of metasedimentary rocks at high pres- sures (15-25 GPa). We will use the ion micro- probe and/or laser-ablation ICP-MS to deter- mine abundances of key trace elements in the experimental assemblages, in order to extract mineral-melt distribution coefficients for key elements in selected major phases, and to assess the overall geochemical effects of deep subduction on bulk composition. This information will be used to draw inferences on the origin of enriched mantle source regions for "EM-type" ocean island basalts.
　Meanwhile, Dr. Rapp and his family (wife Sara and two children; Andrew, 2 1/2 yrs. old, and Anna, 8 months old) are enjoying life in Matsuyama and their experience with Japanese lifestyle and culture. They are looking forward to visiting other parts of Japan during their six-month stay, and express their gratitude to the faculty and staff of the GRC for making their time here happy and comfortable.