Head of AIR_G

Cris Lana is currently affiliated with Stellenbosch University in South Africa, where he holds a joint appointment with the BIOGRIP Node for Soil and Water Analysis and the Department of Earth Science.

Cristiano’s research focuses on the tectonic evolution of cratonic regions in South America and Africa, with a special emphasis on the São Francisco Craton in Brazil. His work aims to uncover the geological processes that have shaped these ancient terrains, including the ages and nature of sources undergoing melting, the processes influencing magma geochemistry, and the factors leading to heating and melting in the lower crust. A significant aspect of his research involves studying the role of thick lithospheric roots in protecting cratons from mantle convection, which is crucial for understanding the stability and longevity of continental blocks.

Cris’s expertise extends to advanced isotope geochemistry, with a focus on developing and applying LA-ICP-MS methods for U-Pb, Sr, Nd, Hf, B, and S isotopic analyses, alongside trace element measurements. He is currently leading studies on Orthoceras fossils, employing U-Pb geochronology and Sr isotopic analyses to gain insights into paleoenvironmental conditions during the Silurian period, as well as the diagenetic history of these fossils. His research also addresses the broader implications of these findings for understanding global anoxia events, mass extinction patterns, and ancient ocean chemistry.

He is actively involved in the AIR-G (Applied Isotope Research Group), which is dedicated to pushing the frontiers of isotope geochemistry through innovative methods and applications of LA-ICP-MS. The AIR-G focuses on various isotopic systems and trace element analyses, aiming to improve analytical precision and expand the applications of isotopic methods in fields such as geochronology, environmental geochemistry, and paleoclimate studies. The group also emphasizes the development of new reference materials for isotope analyses, which are crucial for ensuring accuracy and reliability in their research. Through collaborative projects and partnerships, including efforts to strengthen ties between Stellenbosch University and international institutions like the University of São Paulo, the AIR-G contributes significantly to advancing the understanding of Earth’s geological and environmental history.