Catherine Chauvel

Research Chauvel uses geochemistry to examine how terrestrial rocks are formed, and the long-term changes in the mantle and crust. Her Ph.D. research examined neodymium and strontium isotopes and trace elements in the Massif Central, in France. Her subsequent research used neodymium isotopes to date continental crust in Canada and komatiites at Kambalda, Western Australia. In French Polynesia, Chauvel linked multiple components of the mantle to define processes happening beneath the surface. On mid-ocean ridges, Chauvel has examined the movement of lead within the oceanic crust. Chauvel's research using hafnium and neodymium isotopes in oceanic basalt determined the composition of material which is recycled in the subsurface. Following the April 2019 fire at Notre Dame, Chauvel was part of the group that used lead levels in honey to track the fallout from the burned material. The lead concentrations were higher in the down wind areas, and lead isotopes tagged the lead as originating from the fire and not other potential sources of pollutants.

Selected publications

Awards and honors Fellow, American Geophysical Union (2011) Fellow, European Association of Geochemistry and Geochemical Society (2017) Daly lecture, American Geophysical Union (2017)