Bram De Winter
Current Research
I am a DPhil student that started in fall of 2022 that combines computational geosciences and experimental petrology. I am working with Andrew Walker and Elena Melekhova My main research interest is to understand the behaviour of stable isotopes (Magnesium and Silicon) during the crystallisation of early Earth's magma ocean. I use a combination of computational techniques (MD - DFT simulations) and experimental petrology to calculate isotope fractionation factors between different silicate melts and mantle minerals.
By using atomic scale simulation techniques we can understand the fractionation of stable isotopes between minerals and melt at high temperature and pressure. The results gained from these simulations are tested with experimental petrology techniques at low and high temperatures at Oxford. Here we use new techniques to study mineral-mineral isotope fractionation in samples.
Previous research
I obtained both a MSc and undergraduate (BSc) degree of Earth Sciences at VU Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
For my master’s thesis research, I worked with prof. Wim van Westrenen and PhD candidate Jie-jun Jing on crystallisation models of the lunar magma ocean with an specific interest towards the crystallisation of garnet. To solve the paradox between estimated lunar crust thickness estimates between geochemical and geophysical observations, geochemical models need to find a way to eliminate Al-contents prior to fractional crystallisation and hence formation of a floatation crust. To study this, we used a multi-anvil experimental petrology technique where we produced samples up to pressures of 5 GPa. By using an relative Al-rich starting composition we showcased the stability of garnet in the deep mantle of the Moon and constraining the amount of Al in bulk compositon that could explain observations.
Other research topics I worked on are olivine melt inclusions in Italian carbonatitic rocks together with Dr. Janne Koornneef. Here we used melt inclusions to identify different subduction zones based on measured major- and trace elements.
