Petrology

Rocks record the history from their formation up to the present. Therefore, by observing and analyzing the rock’s chemical composition and the types and compositions of the constituent minerals, it is possible to unravel the history of the rock. Deciphering these past geological phenomena can also help us to understand the mechanisms of geological phenomena occurring on the Earth today. We are particularly interested in the formation mechanisms of rocks that make up the ocean floor and plate convergence zones.

	Assoc. Prof. NOZAKA Toshio E-mail: nozaka [at] cc.okayama-u.ac.jp Metamorphic rock, igneous rock, geology, crust, mantle Directory of Researchers

（Image provided：IODP　http://iodp.tamu.edu/scienceops/gallery/exp399/week2/）

Through the study of the oceanic plates and ancient oceanic crust and mantle rocks exposed on the land, we are trying to unravel the mysteries of phenomena occurring on and within the seafloor.

	Assoc. Prof. NAKAMURA Daisuke E-mail: nakadai [at] okayama-u.ac.jp Metamorphic rock, igneous rock, geology, crust, mantle Directory of Researchers

In plate convergence zones, some rocks that have been subducted to deep underground have ascended again to the surface and are now exposed, and we are estimating the pressure-temperature path such rocks have experienced.