Marisa D. Acosta

I am interested in the processes whereby fluids move through the earth and redistribute elements into anomalous concentrations (e.g., ore deposits, broadly defined). My research uses a combination of field work (Anaconda-style and traditional bedrock geologic mapping; core logging and in-mine mapping), advanced microscopy and microanalysis (SEM-SE/BSE/EDS/CL/EBSD; Raman, EPMA, XRD), and experiments to constrain crystal growth, dissolution, and deformation in fluid-rich systems. With respect to subduction zones, I am interested in how crustal thickening contributes to fluid metal endowments. Alaska is unique in that our subduction zone history is complicated by terrane accretion, lateral translation, and the Yakutat microplate - I specifically welcome collaborations that seek to explore how these unique features have influenced the distribution of magmatic-hydrothermal deposits that form in response to subduction zone processes (intrusion-related and porphyry Cu deposits) in the state.