Don Elthon

Don Elthon
Professor
	Office: 124 Fleming Phone: (713) 743-8282 Email: elthon@uh.edu Education B.S., University of Iowa, 1976 M.A., Columbia University, 1978 M. Phil., Columbia University, 1980 Ph.D., Columbia University, 1980

Research Interests

Geochemistry, Phase Equilibria, Microanalysis, Forensic Chemistry

Our group specializes in geochemistry, high-temperature and high-pressure phase equilibria, and the microchemical/microsctructural characterization of solid state materials by x-ray, electron beam, and ion beam techniques. Geochemical research presently involves trace element and phase chemistry studies of abyssal peridotites from the Hess Deep and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, gabbroic cumulates from the Indian Ocean and the Mid-Cayman Rise, the Taitao Ophiolite in Chile, and the development of models for the origin of mid-ocean ridge basalts. Phase equilibria research presently involves collaborative research within the Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston (TCSUH) on known and potential high-temperature superconducting oxides and related compounds, particularly in the Y-Ba-Cu-O, Bi-Ba-O,Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O and La-(Sr,Ba)-Cu-O systems. We also work on the development and refinement ofanalytical techniquesfor various solid state materials using x-ray diffraction, electron microprobe analysis, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy as a component of geochemistry, phase equilibria, and forensic chemistry applications.

Recent Publications

Cannat, M., J. A. Karson, J. Miller, and D. Elthon, editors Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results, Leg 153, 559 pp. (1999).

Dilek, Y. , E. Moores, D. Elthon, and A. Nicholas "Ophiolites and oceanic crust: new insights from field studies and Ocean Drilling Program," GSA Today, 9, no.2, 30 (1999).

Gokcen, O.A., V.J. Styve, J.K. Meen, and D. Elthon "Phase equilibria of the Bi₂O₃-CaO system in oxygen at 1 atm pressure," J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 82, 1908 (1999).

Mueller, K., J.K. Meen, and D. Elthon "The bismuth-barium oxides," In: Solid-State Chemistry of Inorganic Materials II, Materials Research Society Proceedings, 547, 261 (1999).

Styve, V.J., J. Geny, J.K. Meen, and D. Elthon "Melting relations of Bi₂O₃-SrO-CaO-CuO superconductors at various oxygen fugacities," In: Solid-State Chemistry of Inorganic Materials II, Materials Research Society Proceedings, 547, 273 (1999).

Carvalho, M.L., V.J. Styve, J.K. Meen, and D. Elthon "Phase equilibria of the bismuth oxide-calcium oxide-copper oxide system at 1 atm of pure oxygen," Physica C, 336, 1 (2000).