Rough Cut Series - Chris Gammons: Using Isotopes of Dissolved Oxygen and Dissolved Inorganic Carbon as Tracers of Biogeochemical Processes in Natural Waters

Bio: Dr. Gammons received a B.S. in Geology from Bates College (Maine) and a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from Penn State. He worked for two years as an exploration geologist for the Anaconda Minerals Company and seven years as a Post-Doc in Australia, Switzerland, and Montreal.  He came to Montana Tech in 1997 and have been there since. 

Research focus: My research deals with the aqueous geochemistry of natural waters, including geothermal waters.  I am also interested in how mineral deposits form, and how metals and other solutes are dispersed downgradient from mining operations. 

URL:  http://www.mtech.edu/academics/mines/geological/FacultyPages/gammons.htm

Q&A:

1.     What led you to the research you are engaged in?

I am a geochemist who loves working outdoors. Most of my projects combine these two elements. 

2.     Which other disciplines have you collaborated with?

Before coming to Montana I was a hydrothermal geochemist who studied ore-forming processes. I am returning to some of that research now. 

3.     What do you find most rewarding about collaborations?

Making linkages between processes that I never thought of before.  

4.     What do you think is the greatest scientific challenge for the next 15-20 years?

Energy.  How do we get what we need without destroying the Earth.

5.     How do you see the IoE making a difference in this or other scientific challenges?

Not sure.  Might be an idea to start studying environmental systems that have been/are being disturbed by humans, rather than put resources into pristine systems.  Pristine is really important for baseline, but many landscapes are changing so fast we won’t know which direction we are heading until we get there (e.g., Alberta tar sands, Williston Basin, shale gas back East)