Edward M. Ripley
Professor of Geological Sciences
Geochemistry
Office: GY329
Phone: 812-855-1196
Email: ripley@indiana.edu
Educational Background
- Ph.D., 1976, Pennsylvania State University
- M.S., 1973, University of Minnesota
- B.S., 1971, Illinois State University
Research Interests
My research interests include the genesis of metallic ore deposits and the application of stable isotopic geochemistry to petrologic problems. Primary research goals center on the understanding of both igneous and hydrothermal processes that control the concentration of metals in a variety of geologic settings. Techniques employed in this research program include field mapping, transmitted and reflected light microscopy, fluid inclusion microthermometry, major and trace element analyses, stable isotopic measurements, a variety of microbeam analytical techniques, and thermodynamic/kinetic modeling. Examples of research currently in progress include studies of the genesis of copper, nickel and platinum group elements in mafic igneous rocks of the Duluth Complex and Voisey's Bay deposit, Jinchuan deposit, Stillwater Complex, Duke Island Complex, and the Bushveld Complex, hydrothermal flow systems associated with continental rift zones, experimental studies of metal solubility in mafic magmas, and hydrothermal beryllium mineralization in rhyolitic volcanic rocks. Specific topics of concern include the relative roles of fractional crystallization and assimilation of country rocks in the formation of immiscible sulfide melt, the origin of hydrothermal fluids involved in the sub-solidus redistribution of platinum, palladium and gold, and both magmatic and meteoric waters in hydrothermal beryllium mineralization. Additional projects concern sulfur isotopic fractionation in ore systems, stable and radiogenic isotopic systematics of melt-country rock interaction, and metal enrichment in organic-bearing sediments. In 2003, I became part of the new NASA Astrobiology Institute, headquartered in the IUB Department of Geological Sciences. We are conducting a variety of experiments that deal with sulfur isotopic fractionation, including isotopic effects related to radiolytic oxidation processes.
Courses Taught
At the undergraduate level I teach courses in Petrology (G418), Economic Geology (G416), and on occasion, Fuel and Mineral Resources (G316) and Earth Resources (G161). My graduate level courses include Isotopic Systematics (G690), Magmatic and Hydrothermal Geochemistry (G690), Metallic Ore Deposits (G616), and Geochemical Exploration (G617).
Recent Research Projects
Graduate Student Theses
Butler, Brian Keith (M.Sc., 1989) Hydrogen isotope study of the Babbitt Cu-Ni Deposit, Duluth Complex, Minnesota.
Taib, Nur Iskandar (M.Sc., 1989) A carbon isotope study of the Babbitt Cu-Ni Deposit, Duluth Complex, northeastern Minnesota: the devolatilization of graphitic-carbon bearing metasediments and the resulting contamination of the magma.
Branam, Tracy D. (M.Sc., 1991) Genesis of sediment-hosted copper mineralization in south central Kansas: sulfide- sulfur/organic carbon associations and sulfur isotope systematics.
Johnson, Timothy Whipple (M.Sc., 1994) Oxygen isotope analysis of quartz, kaolin, smectite, and silver phosphate by CO2-laser microprobe
Lee, Insung (Ph.D., 1994) Petrologic and geochemical studies of the Spruce Road Cu-Ni deposit, Duluth Complex, Minnesota
McCoy, Megan E. (M.Sc., 1997) Oxide stockpile assessment, Golden Sunlight Mine, Whitehall, MT. [Montana]
Park, Young-Rok, Ph.D., 1998, Stable isotopic studies of hydrothermal systems located above and below the Duluth Complex, Midcontinent Rift System, Minnesota
Nur Iskandar Taib, 2001, Open system magmatism and the emplacement of the Partridge River Intrusion, Duluth Complex, Minnesota
Tim Johnson, 2001, Oxygen isotopic fractionation in CO2 laser microprobes: Testing the metal-oxide - metal fluoride chemical and isotopic exchange hypothesis
Student Theses in Progress
Mariga, Jeffrey (Ph.D.) Oxygen isotopic studies of the Voisey's Bay Ni-Cu-Co deposit, Labrador
Shafer, Paula (Ph.D.) Mineralogic and isotopic studies of PGE mineralization at the Birch Lake deposit, Duluth Complex, Minnesota
Thakurta, Joyashish (Ph.D.) Mineralogic and isotopic studies of the Duke Island ultramafic complex, Alaska
Sarkar, Arindam (Ph.D.) Mineralogic and isotopic studies of the Uitkomst and Kabanga Cu-Ni deposits, South Africa, and Our Lady of the Lake Complex, Montana
Matthews, Wesley (M.S.) Oxygen isotopic studies of a pegmatite near the contact of the Harney Peak Granite and pelitic country rocks, Black Hills, South Dakota
Representative Publications
Li C, Naldrett AJ, (in press) Controls on the Fo and Ni contents of olivine in sulfide-bearing mafic/ultramafic intrusions: Principles, modelling and examples from Voisey’s Bay. Earth Science Frontiers-English Edition.
, Li C (in press) Applications of stable and radiogenic isotopes to magmatic Cu-Ni-PGE deposits: Examples and cautions. Earth Science Frontiers-English Edition.
Maier WD, Barnes S-J, Bandyayera D, Livesey T, Li C, (2007) Early Kibaran rift-related mafic-ultramafic magmatism in Tanzania and Burundi: the petrogenesis and ore potential of the Kapalagulu and Musongati intrusions. Lithos. DOI: 10.1016/j.lithos.2007.07.015
Li C, , Oberthür T, Miller JD, Joslin GD (2007) Textural and stable isotope studies of hydrothermal alteration in the Main Sulfide Zone of the Great Dyke, Zimbabwe, and the Precious Metals Zone of the Sonju Lake Intrusion, Minnesota, USA. Mineralium Deposita. DOI: 10.1007/s00126-007-0159-x
, Taib NI, Li C, Moore CH (2007) Chemical and mineralogical heterogeneity of the basal zone of the Partridge Rive Intrusion, Duluth Complex: Evidence for Cu-Ni mineralization during early stages of rift development. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology 154, 35-54
Tao Y, Li C, Hu R, , Du A, Zhong H (2007) Petrogenesis of the Pt-Pd mineralized Jinbaoshan ultramafic intrusion in the Permian Emeishan Large Igneous Province, SW China. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology 153, 321-337
MONDAL, S.K., Frei, R., . (2007): Os isotope systematics of Mesoarchaean chromitite– PGE deposits in the Singhbhum Craton (India): Implications for the Evolution of Lithospheric Mantle. CHEMICAL GEOLOGY , available online, doi: 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2007.06.025.
Mariga J, , Li C (2006) Oxygen isotopic studies of interaction between magma and country rocks at Voisey's Bay, Labrador, Canada. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 70, 4977-4996.
Li C, (2006) Formation of isoferroplatinum by desulfurization of braggite and cooperate in the J-M Reef of the Stillwater Complex, Montana. Canadian Mineralogist 44, 895-903.
Mariga J, , Li C, McKeegan KD, Schmidt A, Groove M (2006) Oxygen isotopic disequilibrium in plagioclase-corundum-hercynite xenoliths from the Voisey's Bay intrusion, Labrador, Canada. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 248, 248-260.
Mondal SK, , Li C, Frei R (2006) The genesis of Archaean chromitites from the Nuasahi and Sukinda massifs in the Singhbhum Craton, India. Precambrian Research 148, 45-66.
Mariga J, , Li C (2006) Petrologic evolution of gneissic xenoliths in the Voisey’s Bay Intrusion, Labrador, Canada: Mineralogy, reactions, partial melting, and mechanisms of mass transfer. Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst. 7, Q05013, DOI: 10.1029/2005GC001184.
Maier WD, Andreoli MAG, McDonald I, Higgins MD, Boyce AJ, Shukolyukov A, Lugmair GW, Ashwal LD, Graser P, , Hart RJ (2006) Discovery of a 25-cm asteroid clast in the giant Morokweng impact crater, South Africa. Nature 441, 203-206.
Lefticariu L, Pratt LM, (2006) Mineralogic and sulfur isotopic effects accompanying oxidation of pyrite in millimolar solutions of hydrogen peroxide at temperatures from 4 to 150°C. Geochmica et Cosmochimica Acta 70, 4889-4905.
Park, Y.R., , Miller, J.D. Jr., Li, C., Mariga, J., and Shafer, P., 2004, Stable isotopic constraints on the nature of fluid involvement and Cu-PGE-S redistribution in the Sonju Lake Intrusion, Minnesota: Economic Geology. [abstract]
Li, C., , Merino, E., Maier, W., and Barnes, S.-J., 2004, Replacements of sulfides by actinolite, epidote, and magnetite in the Merensky Reef and UGZ of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa: Economic Geology.
, Lightfoot, P.D., Li, C., and Elswick, E.R., 2003, Sulfur isotopic studies of continental flood basalts in the Noril'sk region: Implications for the association between lavas and ore-bearing intrusions: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 67, p. 2805-2817.
, and Li, C., 2003, Sulfur isotopic exchange and metal enrichment in the formation of magmatic Cu-Ni-(PGE) deposits: Economic Geology, v. 98, p. 635-641.
Li, C., , and Mathez, E.A., 2003, The effect of S on the partitioning of nickel between olivine and silicate melt in MORB: Chemical Geology, v. 201, p. 295-306.
Li, C., Xu, H., DeWaal, S.A., , and Maier, W.D., 2004, Mineral chemistry of olivine from the Jinchuan sulfide ore-bearing Intrusion, Western China: Implications for petrogenesis and ore genesis: Mineralium Deposita.
Li, C., , and Naldrett, A.J., 2003, Compositional variations of olivine and sulfur isotopes in the Noril'sk and Talnakh intrusions, Siberia: Implications for ore-forming processes in dynamic magma conduits: Economic Geology, v. 98, p. 69-86.
Studley, S.A., , Elswick, E.R., Dorais, M.J., Fong, J., Finkelstein, D., and Pratt, L.M., 2002, Analysis of sulfides in whole rock matrices by elemental analyzer-continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry: Chemical Geology, v. 192, p. 141-148.
, Brophy, J.G., and Li, C., 2002, Copper solubility in a basaltic melt and sulfide liquid/silicate melt partition coefficients of Cu and Fe: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 66, p. 2791-2800.
, Li, C., and Shin, D., 2002, Paragneiss assimilation in the genesis of magmatic Ni-Cu-Co sulfide mineralization at Voisey’s Bay, Labrador: d34S, d13C, and Se/S evidence: Economic Geology, v. 97, p. 1307-1318.
Li, C., , Maier, W.D., Gomwe, T.E.S., 2002, Olivine and sulfur isotopic compositions of the Uitkomst Ni-Cu sulfide ore-bearing complex, South Africa: evidence for sulfur contamination and multiple magma emplacements: Chemical Geology, v. 188, p. 149-159.
, Park, Y.R., Lambert, D.D., and Frick, L.R., 2001, Re-Os isotopic composition and PGE contents of Proterozoic Carbonaceous Argillites, Virginia Formation, Northeastern Minnesota: Organic Geochemistry, v. 32, p. 857-866.
, Park, Y.R., Lambert, D.D., and Frick, L.R., 2001, Re-Os isotopic variations in carbonaceous pelites hosting the Duluth Complex: Implications for metamorphic and metasomatic processes associated with mafic magma chambers: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 65, p. 2965-2978.
Li, C., Naldrett, A.J., and , 2001, Critical factors for the formation of a nickel-copper deposit in an evolved magma system: Lessons from a comparison of the Pants Lake and Voisey’s Bay sulfide occurrences in Labrador, Canada: Mineralium Deposita, v. 36, p. 85-92.
Park, Y.R., and ., 2001, Mechanisms and patterns of O and H isotopic exchange during hydrothermal alteration of the North Shore Volcanic Group and related hypabyssal sills, Midcontinent Rift System, Minnesota: Chemical Geology, v. 172, p. 331-345.
, and Snyder, K., 2000, Experimental sulfur isotopic studies of the pyrite to pyrrhotite conversion in a hydrogen atmosphere: Economic Geology, v. 95, p. 1551-1554.
Park, Y.R., and , 2001, Mechanisms and patterns of O and H isotopic exchange during hydrothermal alteration of the North Shore Volcanic Group and related hypabyssal sills, Midcontinent Rift System, Minnesota: Chemical Geology, v. 172, p. 331-345.
, Park, Y.-R., Naldrett, A.J., and Li, C., 2000, Oxygen isotopic studies of the Voisey's Bay Ni-Cu-Co Deposit, Labrador, Canada. Economic Geology, v. 95, p. 831-844.
Lira, R., Barbieri, M., , and Viñas, N.A., 1999, Middle Jurassic LREE-Th-U-F mineralization at Rodeo de los Molles deposit: A new metallogenic cycle in the southern edge of Eastern Sierras Pampeanas: in South American Symposium on Isotope Geology, Acta, p. 474-480, Cordoba, Argentina.
Lira, R., Gomez, G. M., , and Johnson, T.W., 1999, Regional occurrence of meteoric water alteration-mineralization systems in Devonian-Carboniferous granitoids of the Eastern Sierras Pampeanas of Central Argentina: in South American Symposium on Isotope Geology, Actas, p. 470-473, Cordoba, Argentina.
Lesher, C.M., Barnes, S.J., Gilles, M., and , 1999, Ni-Cu-(PGE) sulphides in the Raglan Block, in Lesher, C.M., (ed.), Komatiitic Peridotite-hosted Fe-Ni-Cu-(PGE) Sulphide deposits in the Raglan area, Cape Smith Belt, New Quebec: Guidebook Series, v. 2, Mineral Exploration Research, p. 177-184.
, and Shaffer, N. S., 1999, Organic matter and metal enrichment in black shales of the Illinois Basin, USA: in Glikson, M., and Mastalerz, M., (eds.), Organic Matter and Mineralization: Thermal Alteration, Hydrocarbon Generation, and Role in Metallogenesis, Kluwer Academic Publishers, p. 203-219.
Lambert, D. D., Foster, J. G., Frick, L. R., and , 1999, Re-Os isotope geochemistry of magmatic sulfide ore systems: Application of Radiogenic Isotopes to Ore Deposit Research and Exploration: Reviews in Economic Geology, v. 12, p. 29-58.
, 1999, Sstematics of sulfur and oxygen isotopes in mafic igneous rocks and related Cu-Ni-PGE mineralization: Geological Association of Canada Short Course Notes, v. 13, p. 133-158.
Park, Y. R., and , 1999, Hydrothermal flow systems in the Midcontinent Rift: Oxygen and hydrogen isotopic studies of the North Shore Volcanic Group and related hypabyssal sills, Minnesota: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 63, p. 1787-1804.
Park, Y. R., , Severson, M. J., and Hauck, S., 1999, Stable isotopic studies of mafic sills and Proterozoic metasedimentary rocks located beneath the Duluth Complex, Minnesota: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 63, p. 657-674.
, Park, Y. R., Li, C., and Naldrett, A. J., 1999, Sulfur and oxygen isotopic evidence of country rock contamination in the Voisey's Bay Ni-Cu-Co deposit, Labrador, Canada: Lithos, v. 47, p. 53-68.
Chalokwu, C. I., , and Park, Y. R., 1999, Oxygen isotopic systematics of an open-system magma chamber: an example from the Freetown Layered Complex of Sierra Leone: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 63, p. 675-685.
Cole, D. R., and , 1999, Oxygen isotope fractionation between chlorite and water from 170° to 350°C: A preliminary assessment based on partial exchange and fluid/rock experiments: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 62, p. 449-457.
, Lambert, D. D., and Frick, L. R., 1998, Re-Os, Sm-Nd, and Pb isotopic constraints on mantle and crustal contributions to magmatic sulfide mineralization in the Duluth Complex, Midcontinent Rift, Minnesota: Geochemica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 62, p. 3349-3365
Lira, R., , and Espanon, A. I., 1996, Meteroic water induced selvage-style greisen alteration in the Achala Batholith, Central Argentina: Chem. Geol. (Isotope Geoscience), v. 133, p. 261-279.
Miller, J. D., and , Layered intrusions of the Duluth Complex, USA: (1996). In Cawthorn, R. G. (ed.), Layered Intrusions (Elsevier), p. 257-301.
Moon, S. H., H.I. Park, , and I. Lee, Mineralogic and stable isotopic studies of cassiterite-greisen mineralization in the Uljin area, Korea: (1996). Econ. Geol., v. 91, p. 916-933.
Lee, I., and , Mineralogic and oxygen isotopic studies of open-system magmatic processes in the South Kawishiwi Intrusion, Spruce Road area, Duluth Complex, MN: (1996). Jour. Petrology, v. 37, no. 6, p. 1437.
Lee, I., and , Genesis of Cu-Ni sulfide mineralization in the South Kawishiwi intrusion, Spruce Road area, Duluth Complex, Minnesota: (1995). Canadian Mineralogist, v. 33, p. 723-743.
, and J. G. Brophy, Solubility of copper in a sulfur-free mafic melt: (1995). Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 57, p. 5027-5030.
Service
I serve on several Departmental committees, and am a reviewer for several national and international journals, Associate Editor of Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, and am a proposal reviewer for NSF, PRF, Australian Research Council, and Canadian Research Council.
Laboratory Facilities
Stable Isotope Research Facility at Indiana University (SIRF-Indiana)
Electron Microprobe
Scanning Electron Microscope
Analytical facilities for major and trace element analyses (ICP and AA)
Transmitted and reflected light microscopy, with digital photography
