Laboratory of Petrology and Economic Geology

About

My research lies at the intersection of petrology, geochemistry, and mineral resources.
I investigate the evolution of magmas and rocks at high temperatures to understand how ore-forming constituents are mobilized, transported, and concentrated in the Earth´s crust. To address these questions, I integrate field-based studies with petrography, geochemical and isotopic analyses, and thermodynamic modeling.

As an educator, I am committed to sharing my passion and nurturing students' understanding of solid Earth's dynamic processes, and inspiring the next generation of geoscientists.

I currently hold an Assistant Professor position at the Institute of Engineering Sciences, Universidad de O'Higgins, Chile.

I am looking for motivated students and postdocs. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you are interested in research opportunities.

Latest news

Sept, 2025 – Paper alert! New paper out in Geology with my colleague and friend David Hernández-Uribe. Check it out here.

May, 2025 – New paper out in Earth and Planetary Science Letters by PhD student Camila Poblete. Check it out here.

Apr, 2025 – Glad to become an editorial board member of Communications Earth and Enviornment., a nature portfolio journal. Check it out here.

Aug, 2024 – New paper in Comms Earth and Environment! We explored how fault systems affect the copper budget of hydrothermal fluids in arcs. Check it out here.

Jul, 2024 – New paper out in Chemical Geology! We used osmium and oxygen isotopes in sub-arc copper rich fluids to better understand how ore-forming metals flux during magmatism in the lower crust. Check it out here.

January, 2024 – Research proposal granted! FONDECYT (ANID) has funded my proposal to investigate the links between the volatile composition and oxygen fugacity of magmas, their ore fertility, and crustal thickness in the Miocene to Mio-Pliocene arc segment of the Andes of central Chile. Lots of fieldwork now!

December, 2023 – New paper out in Earth Science Reviews! Slab break-off and Silicic large igneous provinces. Check it out here.

October, 2023 – Proposal granted to purchase a brand new WDS-XRF! The FONDEQUIP (National Agency for Research and Development) proposal that I led was funded. This is a very competitive grant to acquire research infrastructure. Lots of work to do now!

June, 2023 – Mantle plume activity forged by ancient ocean chemistry! Our paper, in collaboration with colleagues at Rice University, Yale University, and Regina University, was published in Nature Geoscience, and we got the cover too!! Check it out here.

January, 2023 – I will be serving as an Associate Editor for GSA Bulletin during the period 2023 - 2025,

December, 2022 – I am very pleased to communicate that I have been awarded by the Chilean Academy of Sciences!!! Check it out here.

September, 2022 – New paper in Geology! Osmium isotopes tell us about the source of metals in epithermal deposits. Check it out here.

August, 2022 – New paper in Economic Geology! What happens to copper when magmas undergo crustal assimilation at great crustal depths? Check it out here.

Santiago Tassara