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Dr. Peter Barry

Associate Scientist w/Tenure
Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department

Contact Information:
Work: 508-289-2327
pbarry@whoi.edu
Building: Clark 419

Mailing Address:
266 Woods Hole Road, MS #25
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Woods Hole, MA 02543

Research Interests

The goal of our research is to understand the volatile history and chemical evolution of Earth. Specifically, we use stable and noble gas isotope systematics to understand the dynamic processes of subduction, mantle convection and surface volcanism, which control the redistribution of chemical constituents between the crust and mantle reservoirs. We are also interested in addressing a diverse array of geochemical questions, pertaining to both igneous and crustal systems as well as groundwater systems. The main research focus has been on high-temperature geochemistry, crust-mantle interactions and the behavior of volatile fluids in the lithosphere.  However, more recent research focuses on using noble gas geochemistry to better understand crustal systems, including hydrocarbon formation and transport mechanisms.

Recent Field Work

  • New Zealand 2025: Sampling geothermal wells and springs
  • Mariana Cruise 2024 (R/V Thompson, Chief Scientist): Sampling boreholes
  • Argentina 2023: Sampling geothermal springs
  • New Zealand 2023: Sampling geothermal wells and springs
  • Italy 2022: Sampling geothermal springs
  • Idaho/Oregon/Nevada 2022: Sampling geothermal springs
  • Greenland 2022: Sampling geothermal springs
  • Chile 2022: Sampling fumaroles and seeps
  • Montana/Idaho/Wyoming 2021: Sampling geothermal springs
  • Iceland 2021: Sampling volcanic gases and lavas
  • Chile 2020: Sampling volcanic gases

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Education

Ph.D.: Earth Sciences. 2012.  Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD, USA

M.S.: Oceanography. 2011.  Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD, USA

Visiting Researcher (NSF EAPSI Fellow).: 2008.  Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute (AORI), The University of Tokyo, Japan

B.A.: Geological Sciences. 2004. The State University of New York at Geneseo, USA

Appointments

2024-present     Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA – Associate Scientist w/Tenure

2022-2024     Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA – Associate Scientist

2019-2022      Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, USA – Assistant Scientist

2014-2018          University of Oxford, UK – Postdoctoral Research Associate

2012-2014          The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA (NSF EAR-Postdoctoral Fellow)

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