Chenguang Sun
Mailcode: C9000
My research is motivated by a strong interest in quantitative understanding the thermal and chemical evolution of Earth and other rocky planetary bodies. I am particularly interested in the following topics:
- Origin and distribution of volatiles in terrestrial planets
- Influences of volatile (re)cycling on planetary magmatism
- Generation and differentiation of various types of magmas
- Planetary differentiation and habitability
- Thermal histories of terrestrial and planetary materials
To approach these problems, I develop testable geochemical/petrological models through high-temperature, high-pressure laboratory experiments and apply these tools to field samples (or observations) for decoding the temperatures, pressures, redox conditions, and rates of Earth and planetary processes as well as the interactions between the planet interior and surface. The fundamental aspects of my research include deep volatile cycle, thermobarometry and speedometry of Earth and planetary materials, and equilibrium/disequilibrium chemical fractionation.
Areas of Expertise
Deep volatile cycling; magmatic and metamorphic processes; planetary differentiation and habitability
MSA Award - Mineralogical Society of America (2021)
MSA Fellow (Life) - Mineralogical Society of America (2021)
Devonshire Postdoctoral Scholar - Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (2014 - 2016)
AGU Outstanding Student Paper Award - American Geophysical Union (VGP Section) (2012)
| Year | Semester | Course | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Spring | GEO 371T | Thermodyn In Earth Planet Sci |
| 2024 | Spring | GEO 390M | Thermodynamics Of Geol Process |
| 2023 | Fall | GEO 416E | Solid Earth Processes |
| 2023 | Spring | GEO 390M | Thermodynamics Of Geol Process |
| 2022 | Fall | GEO 416K | Earth Materials |
| 2021 | Fall | GEO 390M | Thermodynamics Of Geol Process |
Graduate Positions
PhD/MS opportunities
My group welcomes new students with strong motivations on understanding how solid Earth and planets operate and its impacts on shaping habitable surface environments. Prospective students are expected to have a STEM background. If these describe you, feel free to contact me through email for position openings in my group.