Mr Jan Varga

Welcome! Please refer to the links (right) for social media, including Twitter, LinkedIn and Google Scholar. 

• My research aims are to improve geodynamic, seismic (earthquake) and commodity concentration models. These models are informed by mechanical and thermal constraints. I use the natural (field-work) and experimental laboratory to improve the understanding of otherwise inaccessible parts of deep crust (>30 km depth). 

The research I do integrates:

• Experimental petrology. Replicating natural systems in the presence of fluid. This work is achieved by using high-pressure–temperature apparatus that simulates conditions similar to those which characterise the middle to lower crust (pressures equivalent to >30 km depth and temperatures in the interval of 600–1000+ °C)

• Metamorphic petrology. Identifying mineral reactions associated with the liberation or sequestration of major and rare earth elements. Geochemistry is linked to mineral reactions and informs the source and mobility of these elements during aqueous fluid- or silicic melt-rock interaction.

• Geochronology. Dating of high-temperature minerals including: monazite, xenotime and zircon. Both pristine and highly altered equivalents.

• Geodynamics. Placing all of these constraints into the bigger picture of mountain building processes.