Kristoffer Szilas
Tenure track Assistant professor
Geology
Øster Voldgade 10, 1350 København K, Område VI, Building: 06-2-625
2018 → Present: Assistant Professor, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
2017: Postdoc, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), Denmark
2014 → 2016: Postdoc, Stanford University, California, USA
2012 → 2014: Postdoc, Columbia University, New York, USA
2003 → 2012: PhD, Copenhagen University, Denmark
My research focuses on the petrology and geochemistry of Archaean (older than 2500 million years old) rocks from Greenland, where I have conducted fieldwork every summer for the past ten years. The research aims at modelling the relations between ultramafic and mafic-andesitic rock associations in order to better constrain the evolution of the North Atlantic Craton.
Current research
I'm currently working on determining the origin of enigmatic peridotite enclaves, which are found within TTG-suite orthogneiss in the Fiskefjord region. These refractory peridotite cumulates were likely co-magmatic with the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). This research project is supported by the Villum Foundation through a "Young Investigator Grant" that runs from 2018 to 2022, and is mentioned HERE.
Another research project that I have initiated is a study of the oldest rocks on Earth, which are located in SW Greenland. The aim is to contribute with new insights into Earth's earliest crustal evolution. By applying a palette of isotope systems (including various non-traditional) on these ancient rocks, we hope to pin-point the specific class of meteorites that represents the building blocks of Earth. This project is supported by the Carlsberg Foundation through a "Distinguished Fellowship" that runs from 2019 to 2022, and is mentioned HERE.
A new research project that I will start in late 2021 is on the petrogenesis of Archaean anothosite complexes. The current model for such rocks implies the operation of subduction zones 3 billion years ago, but I will test an alternative hypothesis in which such rocks formed by decompression of dry magmas. This project is supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark through a "Sapere Aude Grant" that runs from 2021 to 2025, and is mentioned HERE.
A spin-off of my fundamental research on the early Earth and peridotites in particular has led to a project here we will investigate the reactions between CO2 and the mineral olivine. Specifically, we will test the potential for mineral carbonation using olivine deposits in Greenland as the raw material in the industry in Denmark. This is a study that is supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark as part of their Green Transition Theme, and is mentioned HERE.
You can find various videos of me explaining my research here:
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MSc and BSc projects that I can offer students:
All of the above projects have the potential to become journal publications, if the student is ambitious and is willing to put in the effort it would take.
Feel free to contact me at krsz@ign.ku.dk if you have any questions.
Teaching
I have taught courses in Economic Geology, Structural Geology, Arctic Geoscience, Isotope Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Metamorphic Petrology.
ID: 40444392
Most downloads
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285
downloads
Corundum formation by metasomatic reactions in Archean metapelite, SW Greenland: Exploration vectors for ruby deposits within high-grade greenstone belts
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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217
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Highly refractory Archaean peridotite cumulates: Petrology and geochemistry of the Seqi Ultramafic Complex, SW Greenland
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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139
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Contrasting Textural and Chemical Signatures of Chromitites in the Mesoarchaean Ulamertoq Peridotite Body, Southern West Greenland
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
Published