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Welcome to the Geoverse

My name is Robert Farla. I am an experimental geologist and electron microscope expert.

A brief history:-

• I obtained a MSc in Earth Sciences at Utrecht University, The Netherlands on 05 Sept 2006
• I obtained a PhD in Rock Physics at The Australian National University, Australia on 12 March 2011
• I am currently a post-doctoral associate at Yale University, USA

I am interested in the physical (and chemical) properties of Earth Materials, in particular the upper mantle minerals olivine (wadsleyite,ringwoodite) and orthopyroxene. I carry out various experiments on such polycrystalline specimens to determine:-

• Mechanical properties at high temperature and pressure
• Electrical conductivity
• Seismic properties (wave velocity, attenuation, etc,)

Using a laboratory approach, we can constrain direct observations on the Earth (faults and shear zones, mountain building and rifting) and indirect observations in the Earth (from magnetotelluric methods and seismic tomography) to understand how processes such as Plate Tectonics (continental drift) and mantle convection operate. This is especially important when considering that Plate Tectonics may be a prerequisite for life on other rocky planets in the Universe. For photos, see the link.

Welcome to the Geoverse!

Note: The link Lynn's page will lead you to my wife's craft and artwork site.