Research Interests:

Dr. Maria Paula Castellanos-Melendez is a geochemist and geochronologist dedicated to understanding the geochemical signatures and timescales of volcanic, plutonic and metasomatic processes, particularly those that lead to volcanic activity or the formation of economic mineral deposits in the Earth’s crust. By analyzing accessory and major mineral phases such as zircon, titanite, sanidine, and garnet from volcanic, subvolcanic, hydrothermal, and plutonic rocks, she aims to reconstruct their geologic history. This information is crucial for understanding the processes that lead to ore formation and volcanic eruptions and is used to better understand when, where, and how volcanic eruptions or mineralizing processes occur. This understanding is vital for society, as it helps prepare for and mitigate the catastrophic consequences of large-scale volcanic events and guides us in locating future metal resources necessary for societal development.

In her current role as an NGM postdoctoral fellow at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, her research focuses on Carlin-type gold deposits, one of the most important sources of gold in the United States. By using geochronology and mineral chemistry, she aims to advance our understanding of the formation of Carlin-type gold deposits and their connection to magmatic activity. In addition, Dr. Castellanos-Melendez develops and delivers, in collaboration with other economic geologists in the Department, field-based, classroom and laboratory courses focused on mineral resources. These educational initiatives will equip the next generation of geoscientists with skills and knowledge that are beneficial for the mineral exploration and mining industries.

Recent Publications:

Castellanos-Melendez, M. P., Dilles, J., Guillong, M., Bachmann, O., & Chelle-Michou, C. (2024). From birth to death: The role of upper-crustal thermal maturation and volcanism in porphyry ore formation revealed in the Yerington district. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 647, 119053.

Castellanos-Meléndez, M. P., Rubatto, D., Piccoli, F., Julien, A., Guillong, M., & Bachmann, O. (2023). State-of-the-art garnet petrochronology in the Yerington district: What does it tell us about Cu skarn formation? In Proceedings of the 17th SGA Biennial Meeting. Volume 1 (pp. 17-19). Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits.

Castellanos Melendez, M. P., Di Muro, A., Laurent, O., Kuiper, K., Wijbrans, J. R., & Bachmann, O. (2023). Explosive volcanism of Piton des Neiges (Reunion Island) and excess age dispersion in sanidine: Insights into magma chamber processes in a hotspot setting. Chemical Geology, 632, 121539.

García-Ramírez, C. A., Casadiegos-Agudelo, L., & Castellanos-Meléndez, M. P. (2019). Petrology and geochemistry of the Silgara Schists in the Silos area, Santander Massif, Colombia. Dyna, 86(209), 271-280.