John Spray
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Dr. John G. Spray E-mail: jgs@unb.ca PhD 1980 University of Cambridge, U.K. |
Graduate and Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Teaching
As a CRC Research Professor since 2006, teaching is now limited but has included the following:
GEOL 2131 Mineral Sciences
GEOL 3131 Part II: Metamorphic Petrology
GEOL 4112 Advanced Metamorphic Petrology
Various graduate courses
Research interests
My primary area of interest involves understanding high-strain rate deformation processes in natural and synthetic materials. This includes investigating the effects of shock-wave materials interactions and high-speed slip. Natural samples are studied through researching impact cratering processes and products on Earth, the Moon and Mars, including meteoritic material from the terrestrial planets, asteroids and comets. Specific interests are high-strain rate processes related to hypervelocity impact, including friction- and shock-induced melting and solid-state shock transformations in rocks and minerals. The evolution of planetary regoliths is also being investigated (especially for the Moon and Mars). The characterization of impact structures involves detailed field studies of terrestrial examples (mapping, sampling and remote sensing), especially at Sudbury (Ontario), as well as other Canadian impact structures (e.g., Charlevoix, Manicouagan) and others abroad. One of my primary aims is to understand the modification stage of impact crater formation, especially through studies of impact-generated radial and concentric fault and fracture systems that facilitate slumping and central uplift formation. Field studies are typically followed by lab-based work involving analytical electron microscopy (microprobe and scanning electron microscopy), major, trace and REE chemistry and radiometric dating (involving Ar-Ar and U-Pb collaborative work). More recent research directions include (1) the development of new technologies to facilitate exploration in remote terrains on Earth and for planetary applications (e.g., non-contact analytical techniques for rovers) and (2) development of impact mitigation technologies (e.g., shielding for space infrastructure). I am currently a co-investigator on science teams for two rover missions to Mars: NASA’s MSL and ESA’s ExoMars. These future mission participations provide exciting opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students.
Current projects
Manicouagan Impact Research Program: MIRP (2007- )
This is a 10-year program involving studies of one of the best exposed of the larger terrestrial impact structures on Earth. MIRP is funded by NSERC, the Canada Research Chairs program, the Canadian Space Agency and industry. Approximately 10 km of Manicouagan drill core are housed off-campus, providing one of the most comprehensive impact crater repositories in the world. MIRP supports graduate students at the MSc and PhD levels, as well as Research Scientists, and welcomes international collaboration in areas of geochemistry, stable and radiogenic isotope studies, field mapping, mineralogy and petrology and shock processes. MIRP is managed by Research Scientist Dr Lucy Thompson.
Shock-induced metamorphism and melting of natural and synthetic materials
Expertise in characterizing the effects of shock waves on materials has been developed by Spray, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, research scientists and collaborators over a 25 year period. We are focusing on lunar, martian and asteroid materials, as well as samples from terrestrial impact craters (e.g., Charlevoix, Manicouagan, Sudbury). Projects at the undergraduate and graduate levels are available to further our understanding of shock wave-materials interaction at the microscopic scale. Facilities within the Planetary and Space Science Centre include a micro-Raman spectrometer and a field emission gun–scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectrometry and electron backscatter diffraction capabilities.
Journal/Book Chapter Publications (2003-2009)
(skip to conference abstracts)
Spray, J.G. (in press). Frictional melting of planetary materials: from hypervelocity impact to earthquakes. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, volume 38 (2010).
Spray, J.G., Thompson, L.M., Biren, M.B. and O'Connell-Cooper, C. (in press). The Manicouagan impact structure as a terrestrial analogue site for lunar and martian planetary science. Planetary and Space Science.
Whitehead, J., Grieve, R.A.F., Garvin, J.B. and Spray, J.G. (in press). The effects of crater degradation and target differences on the morphologies of martian impact craters. In: Large Meteorite Impacts and Planetary Evolution IV, Geological Society of America Special Publication.
Evangelatos, J., Butler, K.E. and Spray, J.G. 2009. A marine magnetic study of a carbonate-hosted impact structure: Ile Rouleau, Canada. Geophysical Journal International, doi: 10.1111/j.1365-246X.2009.04304.x.
Spray, J.G. and Thompson, L.M. 2008. Constraints on central uplift structure from the Manicouagan impact crater. Meteoritics and Planetary Science 43, 2049-2057.
Hudgins, J.A., Spray, J.G., Kelley, S.P., Korotev, R.L. and Sherlock, S.C. 2008. A laser probe 40Ar/39Ar and INAA investigation of four Apollo granulitic breccias. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 72, 5781-5798.
Osinski, G.R., Spray, J.G. and Grieve, R.A.F. 2008. Impact melting in sedimentary target rocks: An assessment. In: The Sedimentary Record of Meteorite Impacts. Geological Society of America Special Publication 437, 1-18.
Hudgins, J.A., Walton, E.L. and Spray, J.G. 2007. Mineralogy, petrology and shock history of lunar meteorite Sayh al Uhaymir 300: a crystalline impact melt breccia. Meteoritics and Planetary Science 42, 1763-1779.
Spray, J.G. 2007. The Sudbury Impact Structure. Impacts in the Field 3, 6-10.
Walton, E.L., Kelley, S.P. and Spray, J.G. 2007. Shock implantation of martian atmospheric argon in four basaltic shergottites: a laser probe 40Ar/39Ar investigation. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 71, 497-520.
Spray, J.G. and Hines, J. 2007. Meteorite impact craters of North America. Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Observer’s Handbook 2008,Toronto, p. 239-242.
Boast, M. and Spray, J.G. 2006. Superimposition of a thrust-transfer fault system on a large
impact structure: Implications for Ni-Cu-PGE exploration at Sudbury. Economic Geology
101, 583-594.
Trepmann, C.A. and Spray, J.G. 2006. Impact‑related crystal‑plastic processes in quartz from crystalline target rocks of the Charlevoix Structure, Canada. European Journal of Mineralogy 18, 161-173.
Walton, E.L., Shaw, C.S.J., Cogswell, S. and Spray, J.G. 2006. Crystallization rates of shock melts in three martian basalts: Experimental simulation with implications for meteoroid
dimensions. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 70, 1059-1075.
Spray, J.G., Hines, J., Grieve, R.A.F. and Whitehead, J. 2006. Meteorite impact craters of North America. Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Observer’s Handbook 2007, Toronto, p. 208-211.
Osinski, G.R., Lee, P., Spray, J.G., Grieve, R.A.F., Bunch, T.E. and Parnell J. 2005. Geological overview and cratering model of the Haughton impact structure, Devon Island, Canadian High Arctic. Meteoritics and Planetary Science 40, 1759-1776.
Spray, J.G. 2005. Evidence for melt lubrication during large earthquakes. Geophysical Research Letters 32, L070301, doi:10.1029/2004GL022293.
Osinski, G.R., Spray, J.G., and Lee P. 2005. Impactites of the Haughton impact structure, Devon Island, Canadian High Arctic. Meteoritics and Planetary Science 40, 1789-1812.
Trepmann, C.A., Götte, T. and Spray, J.G. 2005. Impact‑related Ca‑metasomatism in crystalline target rocks from the Charlevoix Structure, Canada. Canadian Mineralogist 43, 553-567.
Osinski, G.R. and Spray, J.G. 2005. Tectonics of the Haughton impact event, Devon Island,
Canadian High Arctic. Meteoritics and Planetary Science 40, 1813-1834.
Rodriguez, J.A.P., Sasaki, S., Dohm, J.M., Tanaka, K.L., Strom, R., Kargel, J., Kuzmin, R.,
Miyamoto, H., Fairen, A.G., Komatsu, G., Kurita, K., Spray, J.G. and Baker, B. 2005. Control of
impact crater fracture systems on subsurface hydrology, ground subsidence and collapse, Mars. Journal of Geophysical Research (Planets) 110, E06003, doi:10,1029/2004JE002365.
Osinski, G.R., Lee, P., Parnell, J., Baron, M., and Spray, J. G. 2005. A case study of impact‑induced hydrothermal activity: The Haughton impact structure, Devon Island, Canadian High Arctic. Meteoritics and Planetary Science 40, 1859-1877.
Trepmann, C.A. and Spray, J.G. 2005. Planar microstructures and Dauphiné twinning in shocked
quartz from the Charlevoix impact structure, Canada. Geological Society of America Special
Publication 384, 315-328.
Walton, E.L., Spray, J.G. and Bartoschewitz, R. 2005. A new martian meteorite from Oman: Mineralogy, petrology and shock metamorphism of martian olivine-phyric shergottite Sayh al Uhaymir (SaU) 150. Meteoritics and Planetary Science 40, 1195-1214.
Osinski, G.R., Spray, J.G. and Grieve, R.A.F. 2004. The nature of the groundmass of surficial suevite from the Ries impact structure, Germany, and constraints on its origin. Meteoritics and Planetary Science 39, 1655‑1683.
Spray, J.G., Butler, H.R. and Thompson, L.M. 2004. Tectonic influences on the morphometry of the Sudbury impact structure: implications for terrestrial cratering and modeling. Meteoritics and Planetary Science 39, 287‑301.
Beaty, D. and the NASA Mars Science Laboratory SPAD Science Team: Miller, S., Zimmerman,W., Bada, J., Conrad, P., Dupuis, E., Huntsberger, T., Ivlev, R., Kim, S.S., Lee, G., Lindstrom,D., Lorenzoni, L., Mahaffy, P., McNamara, K., Papanastassiou, D., Patrick, S., Peters, S., Rohatgi, N., Simmonds, J.J., Spray, J.G., Swindle, T.D., Tamppari, L., Treiman, A., Wolfenbarger, J.K. and Zent, A. 2004. Planning for a Mars in situ Sample Preparation and Distribution (SPAD) system. Planetary and Space Science 52, 55‑66.
Walton, E.L. and Spray, J.G. 2003. Mineralogy, microtextures and composition of shock‑induced melt pockets in the Los Angeles basaltic shergottite. Meteoritics and Planetary Science 38,1865‑1875.
van der Bogert, C.H., Schultz, P.H. and Spray, J.G. 2003. Impact‑induced frictional melting in ordinary chondrites: a mechanism for deformation, darkening and vein formation. Meteoritics and Planetary Science 38, 1521‑1531.
Osinski, G.R. and Spray, J.G. 2003. Evidence for the shock melting of sulfates from the Haughton impact structure, Arctic Canada. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 215, 357-370.
Walton, E.L. and Spray, J.G. 2003. Mineralogy, petrology and thermal evolution of the Benton
LL6 chondrite. Meteoritics and Planetary Science 38, A157-A161.
Recent Conference abstracts
International (total of 36)
Koujelev, A., Lui, S-L., Motto-Ros, V., Spray, J.G., and Boonsue, S. 2009. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of the Los Angeles martian meteorite - a quantitative approach using an artificial neural network. 2nd North American Symposium on Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, New Orleans, LA. (13 - 15 July 2009)
Spray, J.G., Thompson, L.M., and O’Connell-Cooper, C. 2009. Manicouagan and the Moon: Reassessing impact melt – crater affiliations. American Geophysical Union, 2009 Joint Assembly, Toronto, ON. (24-27 May 2009).
Biren, M.B., Spray, J.G., and Thompson, L.M. 2009. Central uplift emplacement at Manicouagan: Clues from a pseudotachylite-bearing fault zone. American Geophysical Union, 2009 Joint Assembly, Toronto, ON. (24-27 May 2009).
Hudgins, J. A. and Spray, J.G. 2009. Lunar granulitic brecchias: Geochemistry, 40Ar-39Ar geochronology and conditions of metamorphism. American Geophysical Union, 2009 Joint Assembly, Toronto, ON. (24-27 May 2009).
Trabucchi, T., Oborn, S., Spray, J.G. and Gellert, R. 2009. Complementing APXS data with the textural and mineralogical appraisal of martian materials: Value-added fusion of compositional and vision systems. American Geophysical Union, 2009 Joint Assembly, Toronto, ON. (24-27 May 2009).
Boonsue, S. and Spray, J.G. 2009. Micro-Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy of shock veins in metaquartzites from the Vredefort impact structure: controls on coesite and stishovite genesis. Conference on Micro-Raman Spectroscopy and Luminescence Studies in the Earth and Planetary Sciences, Mainz, Germany. (2-4 April 2009).
van Soest, M.C., Wartho, J-A., Monteleone, B.D., Hodges, K.V., Koeberl, C., Schmieder, M., Buchner, E., Spray, J.G., Bezys, R.K. and Reimold, W.C. 2009. (U-Th)/He dating of single zircon and apatite crystals – a new tool for dating terrestrial impact structures. 40th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, Texas. (23 – 27 March 2009).
Gellert, R., Campbell, J.L., King, P., Leshin, L.A., Lugmair, G., Spray, J.G., Squyres, S. and Yen, A. 2009. The Alpha-Particle-X-ray-Spectrometer (APXS) for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover mission. 40th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, The Woodlands, Texas. (23 – 27 March 2009).
Spray, J.G. 2008. Frictional melting processes and products in planetary materials: from earthquakes to impact. Special Seismo-Lab Seminar, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California. (11 December 2008).
Biren, M., Spray, J.G., Thompson, L.M. 2008. The anorthositic central uplift of the Manicouagan impact structure. 2008 Joint Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America, Soil Science Society of America, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies, Houston, Texas. (5-9 October 2008).
Spray, J.G. 2008. The Manicouagan structure as a window into lunar impact melts. 2008 Joint Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America, Soil Science Society of America, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America and Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies, Houston, Texas. (5-9 October 2008).
Josset, J.-L., Westall, F., Hofmann, B.A., Spray, J.G., Cockell, C., Kempe, S., Griffiths, A.D., Coradini, L., Koschny, D., and Pullan, D. 2008. CLUPI: CLose-UP Imager on the ExoMars Mission rover. Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol. 10. EQU2008-A-10806, 2008. EGU General Assembly 2008, Vienna, Austria. (13–18 April 2008).
Tagle R., Spray. J.G., and Schmitt, R.T. 2008. Search for projectile traces in melt rocks of the Charlevoix and Dellen impact structures. 39th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, League City, Texas. (10-14 March 2008).
Thackrey, S. Walkden, G., Kelley, S., Parrish, R., Horstwood, M., Indares, A., Still, J., and Spray, J.G. 2008. Determining source of ejecta using heavy mineral provenance techniques; A Manicouagan distal ejecta case study. 39th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, League City, Texas. (10-14 March 2008).
Josset, J.-L., Westall, F., Hofmann, B.A., Spray, J.G., Cockell, C., Kempe, S., Griffiths, A.D., Coradini, L., Koschny, D., and Pullan, D. 2007 CLUPI: Close-Up Imager on the EXOMARS rover. European Mars Science and Exploration Conference: Mars Express & ExoMars, ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands (12 – 16 November, 2007).
Spray, J.G. 2007. Central uplift structure revealed by deep drilling at Manicouagan. 70th Annual Meeting of Meteoritical Society, Tucson, Arizona (13-17 August 2007).
Hudgins, J.A., Spray, J.G., Sherlock, S.C., and Kelley, S.P. 2007. Constraints on the mineralogy, petrology, and chronology of lunar granulitic impactites. 70th Annual Meeting of Meteoritical Society, Tucson, Arizona (13-17 August 2007).
Evangelatos, J., Butler, K.E., Spray, J.G. 2007. A marine magnetic study of the Ile Rouleau impact structure, Lake Mistassini, Quebec, Canada. 70th Annual Meeting of Meteoritical Society, Tucson, Arizona (13-17 August 2007).
Spray, J.G. 2006. Natural shock sintering of unconsolidated planetary materials. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, San Francisco, California. (11-12 December 2006).
Osinski, G.R., and Spray, J.G. 2007. Shatter cones of the Haughton impact structure, Canada. First International Conference on Impact Cratering in the Solar System. ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands, (08-10 May 2006).
Spray, J.G. 2006. Ultrametamorphism of impure carbonates beneath the Manicouagan impact melt sheet: Evidence from superheating. 37th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, League City, Texas. (13-17 March 2006).
Hudgins, J.A. and spray, J.G. 2006. Lunar impact-fluidized dikes: Evidence from Apollo 17 Station 7, Taurus-Littrow Valley. 37th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, League City, Texas. (13-17 March 2006).
Walton, E.L., Spray, J.G., and Herd, C.D.K. 2006. Melting rocks by shock: Localized shock melting in martian meteorites and target rocks from the Manicouagan impact structure. 37th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, League City, Texas. (13-17 March 2006).
Battler, M., Richard, J., Boucher, D. and Spray, J.G. 2006. Developing an anorthositic lunar regolith simulant. 37th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, League City, Texas. (13-17 March 2006).
Spray, J.G. 2005. Melt lubrication of high-speed slip systems. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, Moscone Center, San Francisco, California (5-6 December 2005).
Spray, J.G. 2005. The importance of hypervelocity impact processes in exploration science. International Space University, 10th International Symposium, Strasbourg, France (30 November – 3 December 2005).
Battler, M., Richard, J., Boucher, D. and Spray, J.G. 2005. Formulation of lunar regolith simulants: the anorthosite connection. International Lunar Conference 2005, Toronto (13-19 September 2005).
Calhoun, L., Spray, J.G., Maharaj, D. and Richards, R. 2005. Planetary materials characterization using LIDAR. International Lunar Conference 2005, Toronto (13-19 September 2005).
Spray, J.G. 2005. A Canadian roadmap for the Moon and Mars within an international context. International Lunar Conference 2005, Toronto (13-19 September 2005).
Hudgins, J.A. and Spray, J.G. 2005. Exhumation of deep-level metamorphic rocks: A window into the ancient lunar crust. International Lunar Conference 2005, Toronto (13-19 September 2005).
Walton, E.L., Shaw, C.S.J., Cogswell, S. and Spray, J.G. 2005. Crystallization rates of shock melts in three martian basalts: experimental simulation with implications for meteoroid lofting dimensions. 68th Annual Meeting of Meteoritical Society, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, U.SA. (12-16 September 2005). Abstract #5041.
Spray, J.G. and Walton, E.L. 2005. Shock-generated melt networks in anorthositic target rocks from the Manicouagan impact structure. 68th Annual Meeting of Meteoritical Society, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, U.SA. (12-16 September 2005). Abstract #5077.
Spray, J.G. 2004d. The microdynamics of impact: how to move mountains in seconds. 32nd International Geological Congress, Florence, Italy, (20-28 August), Abstracts with Program CD: 65-5.
Spray, J.G. 2004c. Developing prototype cross-sections of the uppermost Martian crust. 67th Annual meeting of the Meteoritical Society, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, (2-6 August). Meteoritics and Planetary Science 39, Supplement: A98.
Elliot, B.E. and Spray, J.G. 2004. A 3D investigation of Valles Marineris, Mars. 67th Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, (2-6 August). Meteoritics and Planetary Science 39, Supplement: A37.
Walton, E.L., Kelley, S.P. and Spray, J.G. 2004. The location of martian atmospheric argon in three martian basalts: controls exerted by shock effects. 67th Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, (2-6 August). Meteoritics and Planetary Science 39, Supplement: A111.
National (total of 16)
Thompson, L.M., Spray, J.G. and Whitehead, J. 2009. The ten largest terrestrial impact structures: a review and synthesis. Canadian Astromaterials Discipline Working Group (ADWG) Annual Meeting, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario. (7 October 2009)
Thompson, L.M., Biren, M., O’Connell-Cooper, C., and Spray, J.G. 2008. Manicouagan as a lunar and martian analogue site. 6th Canadian Space Exploration Workshop (CSEW6). Canadian Space Agency, John H. Chapman Space Centre, Longueuil, Quebec (1-3 December 2008).
Moreau, L., Spray, J.G., Giaccari, P., Boonsue, S, Thompson, L. 2008. A small surface-based infrared spectrometer for the exploration of the Moon and other planetary bodies. Canadian Space Agency, John H. Chapman Space Centre, Longueuil, Quebec (29 September 2008).
Spray, J.G. 2007. Friction melting mechanics: Experimental evidence relevant to impact cratering. Workshop on Bridging the Gap II: Effect of Target Properties on the Impact Cratering Process. Canadian Space Agency, John H. Chapman Space Centre, Longueuil, Quebec (22-26 September 2007).
van der Bogert, C.H., Schultz, P.H., and Spray, J.G. 2007. High strain-rate deformation experiments on carbonate-silicate rocks: implications for impact cratering process. Workshop on Bridging the Gap II: Effect of Target Properties on the Impact Cratering Process. Canadian Space Agency, John H. Chapman Space Centre, Longueuil, Quebec (22-26 September 2007).
Gellert, R., Campbell, J.L. King, P.L. and Spray, J.G. 2007. The APXS for the Mars Science Laboratory, in The Pulse of the Earth & Planetary Evolution: Rates and Rhythms, Cycles & Cataclysms, W. Bleeker & P. Sylvester (eds.), GAC NUNA Conference, Sudbury, Ontario, (13-17 June, 2007). Program & Abstract Volume, p. 74-75.
Spray, J.G. 2007. The role of hypervelocity impact in planetary evolution. GAC NUNA Conference, Sudbury, Ontario, 13-17 June, 2007.
Spray, J.G. 2007. Hypervelocity impact craters: Their structure and resources. Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists (CSPG), Calgary (5 March 2007).
Spray, J. G. 2007. The evolution of Mars and conditions for the past and present life. Origins Institute, McMaster University. (February 2007)
Spray, J.G. 2006. The Moon as a stepping stone to Mars and beyond: Canadian contributions to exploration technology development. Canadian Space Agency Exploration Canada 2006 Workshop. John H. Chapman Space Centre, Longueuil, Quebec (17-18 October 2006).
Hudgins, J.A., Spray, J.G. 2006. Pressure-temperature equilibration conditions for lunar granulitic impactities: Evidence from Apollo 15, 16 and 17. Canadian Space Agency Exploration Canada 2006 Workshop. John H. Chapman Space Centre, Longueuil, Quebec (17-18 October 2006).
Battler, M., Richard, J., Boucher, D. and Spray, J.G. 2005. Developing lunar regolith simulants. Fifth Canadian Space Exploration Workshop, 12-13 May 2005, John H. Chapman Space Centre, Longueuil, Quebec. SE0542.
Walton, E.L., Shaw, C.J.S., Cogswell, S. and Spray, J.G. 2005. Crystallization rates of shock melts in three martian basalts: Experimental simulation with implications for meteoroid lofting dimensions. Fifth Canadian Space Exploration Workshop, 12-13 May 2005, John H. Chapman Space Centre, Longueuil, Quebec. [Won 1st place for best student poster] SE0545.
Elliott, B.E. and Spray, J.G. 2005. Geological characterization of Valles Marineris, Mars, using three-dimensional visualization techniques. Fifth Canadian Space Exploration Workshop, 12-13 May 2005, John H. Chapman Space Centre, Longueuil, Quebec. SE0507.
Spray, J.G. 2004b. Robotic drilling rationale and protocols for penetrating the surfaces of planetary bodies. Planetary and Terrestrial Mining Sciences Symposium, Sudbury, Ontario, (8-10 June).
Spray, J.G. 2004a. New Views of Mars - the next planet. Noveaux regards sur Mars - la prochaine planète. Canadian Space Agency Presentation, Montreal. (15 April).