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Gail Mahood is a professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at Stanford University. Her research group engages in field, geochronologic, and geochemical studies focused on Silicic Magmatism and Volcanology, emphasizing the life histories of crustal magma bodies that lead to large explosive eruptions. The group maps young silicic volcanic systems, conducts radiometric dating of lavas and tuffs, and determines chemical and isotopic compositions of volcanic products to infer their origin and evolution. Moreover, they study ancient volcanoes' granitic bodies, aiming to understand the associated plumbing systems. Mahood’s research extends to the regional-scale interaction of magmatism and continental crust deformation, especially in extensional provinces. Additionally, she models surface deformation in response to magma intrusion influenced by water and ice dynamics. Her interest also encompasses Geoarchaeology, applying earth science methods to archaeological challenges, which aids in understanding the development and preservation of archaeological sites in the context of environmental change. The group specializes in Archaeometry, investigating archaeological materials through physical and chemical techniques, and their projects notably involve the study of obsidian exchange in the prehistoric contexts of the Old and New Worlds.
The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.