Karl R. Wirth

My research utilizes geochemistry to study the origins of igneous rocks and the evolution of continental and oceanic crust. I teach Mineralogy (GEOL 250) and Petrology (GEOL 302), as well as several introductory courses including Exploring the Solar System (GEOL 102) and Dynamic Earth and Global Change (GEOL 150). I regularly lead students on field excursions during the January intersession to Hawaii, Costa Rica, or the Galápagos Islands, and I teach Geologic Field Methods during summer. Recent research with students has focused on rocks in the Bering Sea region, southern Ontario and northern Minnesota, the Galapagos Islands, Tanzania, and Cozumel.