Dorsey Wanless

Dorsey Wanless is a Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Boise State University. His research focuses on magmatic processes at mid-ocean ridges, seamounts, and ocean islands, with a particular emphasis on volatiles in submarine magmatic systems. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Florida (2010), an M.S. from the University of Hawaiʻi (2004), and a B.S. from Colgate University (2001).

Education:

• Ph.D. in Geosciences, University of Florida, 2010
• M.S. in Geology, University of Hawaiʻi, 2004
• B.S. in Geology, Colgate University, 2001

Research Interests: His work integrates field-based studies, geochemical analysis, and petrological modeling to understand mantle heterogeneity and magmatic processes. Key themes include mid-ocean ridge magmatism, seamount evolution, and the role of volatiles in magma systems. Recent projects involve investigating the petrogenesis of the Galápagos Islands and the geochemical diversity of seamounts near the Hawaiian-Emperor Seamount Chain.

Research Trends: Recent publications emphasize the application of melt inclusions, isotope geochemistry, and geochronology to probe magmatic plumbing systems. Collaborative expeditions, such as the GalápagosDeep 2023 voyage with HOV Alvin, highlight his focus on submarine volcanic terraces and deep-sea exploration.

Advising & Grants: Wanless actively mentors students in research opportunities and has secured funding for projects like the NSF-supported Chain Transform Fault study. His work often involves multidisciplinary teams addressing tectonic and magmatic processes at mid-ocean ridges and transform faults.

Labs/Teams: Participates in international collaborative initiatives, including studies at the East Pacific Rise and Mid-Atlantic Ridge. His research frequently involves advanced analytical tools such as ICP-MS and laser ablation techniques for trace element analysis.