David Hilton, Ph.D.

scripps institution of oceanography

Professional Activities Research Interests The Laboratory Fieldtrips & Pictures

San Diego, CA 2007 China, 2005 New Mexico, USA, 2004 Nicaragua, 2004 Mexico, 2004 Anahatan, Marianas, 2003 Mariana Islands, 2003 Mojave Desert, USA, 2003 Nicaragua, 2002 Philippines, 2002 Costa Rica, 2001 Archived Trips

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Fieldwork is an essential part of research. It is carried out to gain access to samples which best allow us to tackle specific scientific problems. As most of my work is concerned with understanding the volatile systematics of the Earth, the types of samples which I work on can be divided into two broad categories:

Fluid samples: I collect both geothermal fluids and non-geothermal fluids (mostly groundwaters). Geothermal fluids includes fumaroles, solfataras, hot springs, and they are mostly associated with recent volcanic activity. The other type of fluid I work on is groundwater. These are usually potable waters and the aim of such studies is directed at resource evaluation.
Lavas: Lavas represent the surface expression of sub-terranean magmatic activity. Through collecting lavas we can re-construct the volatile history of a magma by analysing olivine and/or pyroxene crystals caught up in the lava and brought to the surface during an eruptive episode.

Check out the index on the left to see pictures from various sampling campaigns.