(Working) Thesis Title
High precision examination of the triple Si-O isotopes of lunar samples
Thesis Description
It was originally thought that the heterogeneity between the Moon and Earth’s triple oxygen isotopes would provide a direct line of evidence for the giant impact hypothesis, but this was proven contrary when Apollo samples all plotted on the terrestrial fractionation line. However, Herwartz et al. (2014) showed, using three Apollo samples, that there is a 12 ± 3 parts per million difference between the oxygen isotopes of the Moon and Earth. This study will utilize a high precision Si-O laser fluorination line to investigate whether there is any subtle variation between the two planetary bodies by examining the triple isotopes of silicon and oxygen. In addition, lunar meteorites will also be examined to determine if the lunar meteorites are truly representative of the Moon’s chemistry and if the same result can be replicated.
Publication
Hill P.J.A., Kopylova M. G., Russell J. K. and Cookenboo H. (2014) Mineralogical controls on garnet composition in the cratonic mantle. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology (in review)
Degrees Obtained
M.Sc Geology and Planetary Science
University of Western Ontario
London, ON
Expected 2016
B.Sc Honour Geological Science with Distinction
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC
May 2014
Thesis Title
Mineralogical controls on garnet composition in the cratonic mantle: evidence from the Canastra 8 kimberlite
Scholarships and Awards
2014 Ontario Graduate Scholarship
2014 NSERC CREATE Trainee
2014 Dr. Aaro E. Aho Foundation Graduating Scholarship and Gold Medal
2013 Trek Excellence Scholarship for Continuing Students
2013 Shell Award for Excellence in Geological Fieldwork
2012-2013 Endeavour Silver Corporation Undergraduate Scholarship