Earth History

The Drabon Group's reasearch focuses on the habitability of the early Earth and how it was affected by crustal processes and changing surface environments. The study of the early Earth requires a clear understanding of present-day sedimentary processes as well as an appreciation of the non-uniformitarian character of the early Earth. We integrate multidisciplinary approaches by applying stratigraphic, provenance and geochemical analyses paired with detailed knowledge of complex geology at outcrop- to basin-scale. Specifically, our contributions to the field focus on: (1) Furthering our understanding of the formation of crust during the Hadean, (2) evaluating processes of early life recorded in the rock record and studying the influence of impact-related environmental perturbations on the biosphere, and (3) characterizing the poorly understood tectonic processes in the Archean.

Looking for new PhD students. Please contact Nadja Drabon directly.

Field photos

  • Australia

    Australia

    Field trip to the Pilbara Craton

  • Oman

    Oman

    Field trip to the Oman Ophiolite

  • South Africa

    South Africa

    Field work in the 3.6 to 3.2 Ga Barberton Greenstone Belt.

  • New Zealand

    New Zealand

    Hot springs in New Zealand