Kevin Konrad

Kevin Konrad is an Assistant Professor in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University. His research focuses on noble gas geochronology, marine geology, mantle geodynamics, and volcanism. He specializes in studying hotspot tracks, seamount formation, and the interplay between mantle plumes and tectonic processes.

Dr. Konrad leads projects involving geochronological techniques such as 40Ar/39Ar dating and isotopic analysis to unravel the timing and dynamics of volcanic events. His work spans diverse regions including the Pacific Ocean, California Borderland, and the Mariana Trench. He collaborates on expeditions using advanced sampling technologies like ROVs and multibeam sonar.

Key research themes include:

• Hotspot plume interactions and their influence on seamount chains
• Volcanic suppression mechanisms linked to oceanic plateaus
• Mid-Pacific Mountains and Hess Rise tectonic connections
• Geodynamic modeling of mantle flow and plume migration

His lab facilities include the MARSSAM (Marine Rock and Sediment Sampling) facility, supporting oceanographic instrumentation and sample analysis. Current projects explore future marine sampling capabilities and prebiotic environments linked to volcanic systems.