Don Baker

Don Baker is a Full Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at McGill University, part of the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on cosmochemistry, geochemistry, and igneous petrology, with a particular emphasis on magmatic processes, volatile elements, and Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs). He investigates topics such as melt inclusion analysis, sulfur and fluorine partitioning in magmas, and the environmental impacts of volcanic eruptions, including links to mass extinctions. His work integrates experimental petrology, synchrotron-based imaging, and field studies to understand volcanic degassing mechanisms and magma dynamics. Dr. Baker has contributed significantly to understanding the role of LIPs in Earth's history, such as the Deccan Traps and Central Atlantic Magmatic Province.

Research Interests:

• Magmatic degassing and volatile behavior in LIPs
• Bubble nucleation and magma foam stability
• Sulfur and halogen partitioning in silicate melts
• Environmental consequences of massive volcanic eruptions
• Crystallization dynamics in hydrous melts
• X-ray tomography applications to volcanic systems

Key Achievements:

• Recipient of the Norman L. Bowen Award (2014)
• Pioneered 4D synchrotron tomography studies of magma degassing
• Developed novel methods for sulfur concentration quantification in basaltic melts
• Leader in linking LIP magmatism to mass extinction events

Advising and Grants: While specific student names are not listed, Dr. Baker's research group engages in interdisciplinary projects supported by grants from institutions like the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). His work often involves international collaborations in volcanic field studies and synchrotron facilities.

Labs/Teams: Active member of the McGill Earth and Planetary Sciences research group, leveraging cutting-edge facilities for geochemical analysis and 3D imaging of igneous rocks.