Laboratory of Petrology and Economic Geology
About
I am a geoscientist and educator with a focus at the intersection of petrology, geochemistry, and mineral resources. My research seeks to unravel the magmatic and tectonic processes governing the genesis and regional distribution of base and precious metal deposits and metallogenic provinces. My methodology uses fieldwork to provide a foundational framework for in-depth mineralogical and geochemical analyses.
As an educator, I am committed to sharing my passion and nurturing students' understanding of Earth's dynamic processes and resource exploration, inspiring the next generation of geoscientists, and fostering a deeper appreciation for our planet's geological complexities.
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
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.
July, 2022 – I will be moving from New Haven to Chile to start a new position as an assistant professor at University of O'Higgins!
May, 2022 – I presented some of my work at the Gordon Research Conference - Geochemistry of Mineral Deposits in Barcelona.
March, 2022 – Publication in Nature Geoscience!! How to produce oxidized slab-derived fluids in subduction zones. Check it out here.
Santiago Tassara, Ph.D.
Institute of Engineering Sciences,
Universidad de O'Higgins
Email: santiago.tassara@uoh.cl