Dr. Peter A. Rona

.

rona@imcs.rutgers.edu

Education

A.B., Brown University

Teaching

Undergraduate: Marine Geology, Exploration of The Oceans

Graduate: Geodynamics, Marine Geology

Publications

Over 200 scientific papers

Research Interests

Seafloor hydrothermal systems; ocean ridge processes; geology of Atlantic continental margins; genesis of seafloor mineral and energy resources.

The research program on seafloor hydrothermal systems emphasizes the tectonic and magmatic controls of hydrothermal activity at mid-ocean ridges and back-arc spreading centers; heat transfer (conductive and convective) in the systems; processes of mineralization; and dynamics of the plumes that discharge from the hydrothermal systems involving the development and application of innovative sonar techniques to image the plumes. We are carrying out this work on seafloor hydrothermal systems and ocean ridges using surface ships and deep-diving research submersibles in collaboration with other leading national and international groups.

We are developing a joint research program between the Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences and the Department of Geological Sciences at Rutgers to determine processes involved in the transfer of natural and anthropogenic materials between the continent and the deep ocean basin. The focus of this program is the continental margin of New Jersey where the Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences is installing a series of Long Term Observatories (LEO's) on the seafloor to observe and monitor seafloor and water column processes.

Current Field Areas

Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Gorda-Juan de Fuca ridge system

Continental margin of New Jersey

Recent Publications

Rona, P.A., Hannington, M.D., Raman, C.V., Thompson, G., Tivey, M.K., Humphris, S.E., Lalou, C., and Peterson, S., 1993, Active and relict seafloor hydrothermal mineralization at the TAG hydrothermal field, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Economic Geology, Special Issue, 88(8): 1989-2017.

Lowell, R.P., Rona, P.A., and Von Herzen, R.P., 1995, Seafloor hydrothermal systems, J. Geophysical Research, 100: 327-352.

Rona, P.A., 1995, Tectonoeustasy and Phanerozoic sea levels, J. Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 17: Holocene Cycles: Climate, Sea Levels, and Sedimentation, 269-277.