Prof. Dr. Carsten Münker
Telefon +49 221 470-3198
Telefax +49 221 470-5199
E-Mail: c.muenker(at)uni-koeln.de
Research
Cosmochemistry and early evolution of the Earth
- Trace element and isotope geochemistry of extraterrestrial samples (meteorites and sample return).
- Dating differentiation processes in early solar system objects and planets, using long- and short-lived radioactive decay systems.
- Search for nucleosynthetic anomalies in meteorites.
- Behaviour of trace elements during silicate differentiation on the Moon and on small asteroids.
Early evolution of the Earth
- Geological processes in the Hadean and Archean (e.g., early crustal record in Greenland, W-Australia, southern Africa, India, and Brazil).
- Early crust-mantle differentiation on Earth.
- The radiogenic isotope evolution of the Earth.
- Formation and preservation of ancient domains in Earth’s mantle using short-lived nuclides and nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies.
High Temperature geochemistry
- Subduction zone processes (SW Pacific and Mediterranean regions).
- Mid ocean ridge volcanism and ophiolites (Cyprus, Atlantic Ocean).
- Continental Flood basalts (Deccan, Parana-Etendeka)
- Continental intraplate volcanism (Eifel, Siebengebirge, Mediterranean region, New Zealand).
- Global mass budget of the extended high field strength element group (W-Nb-Ta-Zr-Hf) in Earth’s silicate reservoirs.
Geochronology
- Lu-Hf/Sm-Nd/La-Ce geochronology of garnet, phosphates, chemical sediments and ancient mafic samples.
- 230Th-U and U-Pb geochronology.
- In situ 87Rb-87Sr dating.
Low Temperature geochemistry
- Geochemistry of chemical sediments through Earth’s history
- Gypsum and associated soils in hyperarid environments (Atacama and Namib deserts)
- Plant Geochemistry (collaboration with biologists)
- Mass budget of high field strength elements in aqueous systems
Method developments - Mass Spectrometry
- Development of new techniques in ICP mass spectrometry with an emphasis on Multicollector ICPMS including collision cell MS/MS.
- High precision isotope ratio measurements (e.g., 182W, 142Nd).
- High precision trace element measurements by isotope dilution (e.g., Nb/Ta, ZrHf Ta-Th/W and U-Th measurements).
- Development of new techniques for chromatographic trace element separation for isotope ratio measurements.
Teaching (BSc & MSc)
- Geodynamics, magmatism, metamorphism and Earth’s evolution (1st year)
- Introduction to geochemistry/cosmochemistry (2nd year)
- Introduction to isotope geochemistry (3rd year)
- Advanced isotope geochemistry/cosmochemistry (MSc level)
- Practicals in trace element and isotope geochemistry (2nd year to MSc levels)
- Volcanological and petrological field trips (Eifel, Siebengebirge, Cyprus, Greenland, South Africa, Australia, India) (all levels)