09/17/2024
By Ericka Boudreau

The Kennedy College of Sciences, Department of Earth, Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences, invites you to attend a doctoral dissertation proposal defense by Ericka M. Boudreau on “Emphasizing a multiproxy approach to provenance research in the North American Cordillera."

Candidate Name: Ericka M. Boudreau
Degree: Doctoral
Defense Date: Monday, Sept. 30, 2024
Time: Noon
Location: Room 312, Olney, North Campus
Thesis/Dissertation Title: "Emphasizing a multiproxy approach to provenance research in the North American Cordillera"

Committee: 

  • Advisor: Richard Gaschnig, Ph.D. Earth, Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Nelson Eby, Ph.D. Earth, Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Mathew Barlow, Ph.D. Earth, Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell 
  • Christopher Spencer, Ph.D, PGeo, Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen's University


Brief Abstract:
The North American Cordillera is a 5000 km belt of lithospheric fragments that accreted to the continental margin throughout the Phanerozoic. The level of tectonic and geologic complexity evident in the North American Cordillera, testifies to the longevity of some scientific debates that involve deciphering the origins of detritus deposited in sedimentary basins throughout the Cordillera. Despite the ability of detrital zircon geochemical and isotopic data to provide information on crystallization setting and magmatic character of basinal sources, it overlooks the metamorphic histories of source terranes, leaving provenance interpretations over generalized and non-specific. These biases, among others, compel us to evaluate provenance through the lens of a variety of accessory minerals and methods of analysis. I will demonstrate the utility of a multiproxy approach to provenance in a region of geologic complexity where traditional methods have fallen short and emphasize how provenance interpretations can be improved when contextual information is available and igneous source terranes are thoroughly characterized.