Dr. Julia Ricci

As an Argon geochronologist and volcanologist, I explore various geological questions to unravel the complexities of Earth's history. My research integrates multiple disciplines, including paleomagnetism, geomorphology, and geochemistry, to provide a holistic understanding of geological processes.

I am particularly passionate about analytical development, continually pushing the limits of 40Ar/39Ar dating techniques. My expertise in mass spectrometry ensures precise and accurate temporal constraints, which are essential for interpreting the dynamic evolution of our planet.

My research delves into volcanic activity, tectonic movements, and landscape evolution to unveil the intricate interactions shaping Earth's surface. Through this work, I aim to advance our understanding of the Earth's evolution and improve our ability to predict and mitigate natural hazards.

• Ph.D, 2014 — Geosciences Paris-Sud (France) — Geochronology / volcanology
  • Dissertation: Space and time evolution of volcanism within Basse-Terre Island (Guadeloupe, F.W.I.) reinterpreted from new geochronology, geochemistry and geomorphology data.

• Master 2, 2011 — Geosciences Paris-Sud / IPGP (France) — Geochronology
  • Thesis: New ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar and K–Ar ages of the Viluy traps (Eastern Siberia): Further evidence for a relationship with the Frasnian – Famennian mass extinction.
• Master 1, 2010 — Blaise Pascal University (Clermont-Ferrand, France) — Geochronology / Mineralogy
  • Thesis: Characterization of gem sapphires from a new occurrence in Auvergne (France), and U-Pb dating of associated Zircons.

• Avril 2024 - present — Geochronologist, New Mexico Tech.
• May 2023 - present — Associate Radiation Safety Officer, New Mexico Tech.
• 2021 - 2024 — Research Scientist II, Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, New Mexico Tech.
• 2019 - 2021 — CNRS Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Geosciences Montpellier (France)
  • ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar dating of clay minerals: toward an improved method and its applications for critical societal issues
• 2019— TOTAL postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (France)
  • Geochemical characterization and research of geochemical tracers in volcanism. Implication for global model of plates motion.
• 2016 - 2019— European Research Council Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (France)
  • Changes in the Geomagnetic Dipole over the Past 5 Ma (ERC EDIFICE).
• 2014 - 2016 — Teaching and Research Temporary Assistant, Geosciences Paris-Sud (France)
  • Analytical developments of K-Ar extraction line and calibration of the associated multi-collector mass spectrometer.

• Sao Miguel and Sao Jorge islands (Azores), 2018 - Paleomagnetism / Geochronology
• Santiago and Santo Antao islands (Cape-Verde), 2017- Paleomagnetism / Geochronology
• La Palma Island (Canary, Spain), 2017 - Paleomagnetism / Geochronology
• Corbieres and Minervois (France), 2016 - Sedimentary, paleogeography, paleoclimate
• Basse-Terre (Guadeloupe, F.W.I), 2012, 2013 - Geochronology / Volcanology / Geomorphology
• Italian volcanism (Naples, Vesuvius, Ischia, Phlégréen fields), 2011, 2015 and 2016 - Volcanic evolution
• Monts-Dores and Sancy Massif (Auvergne, France), Chaîne des Puys (Cantal, France), , 2011, 2015 and 2016 - Volcanology / Geomorphology -
• Massif de l'Agly, Les Corbières, France, 2009 - Metamorphic and sedimentary fields
• Cap creus (Pyrenees, Spain), 2009 - (Micro-) Tectonic

1. Attia S., Ricci, J. (2023). Latest Eocene 40Ar/39Ar Age from the Yeso Hills Dikes, Eddy County, New Mexico. In: Evaporite Karst of the Lower Pecos Region, Land, Lewis; Bou Jaoude, Issam; Hutchinson, Peter; Zeigler, Kate; Jakle, Anne; Van Der Werff, Brittney, New Mexico Geological Society 73 rd Annual Fall Field Conference Guidebook, 152 p. https://doi.org/10.56577/FFC-73

2. Attia S., Heizler M. T., Ricci, J. (2023). Quaternary age of the Gatuna Formation at Livingston Ridge. In: Evaporite Karst of the Lower Pecos Region, Land, Lewis; Bou Jaoude, Issam; Hutchinson, Peter; Zeigler, Kate; Jakle, Anne; Van Der Werff, Brittney, New Mexico Geological Society 73 rd Annual Fall Field Conference Guidebook, 152 p. https://doi.org/10.56577/FFC-73

3. Munch Ph., Caillaud J., Monié P., Grauby O., Corsini M., Ricci J., Romagny A., Philippon M., Romagny A., Lanson B., Azdimoussa A., BenMoussa, A., Arnaud N., (2021). Direct dating of brittle extensional deformation in the internal zones of the Rif Chain. Tectonophysics, p228800

4. Ricci, J., Carlut, J., Marques, F.O, Hildenbrand, A., Valet, J.P., (2020). New paleomagnetic record of the Matuyama-Brunhes reversal in a lava flow sequence from the Azores islands. Frontiers in Earth Science, 8, 165.

5. Ricci, J., Carlut, J., Valet, J-P., (2018). Paleosecular variation recorded by Quaternary lava flows from Guadeloupe Island. Scientific reports, 8(1), 10147.

6. Ricci, J., Quidelleur, X., Pallares C., Lahitte, P., (2017). High-resolution K-Ar dating of a complex magmatic system: The example of Basse-Terre Island (French West Indies). Journal of Volcanology andGeothermal Research 345,142-160.

7. Ricci, J., Quidelleur, X., Lahitte, P., (2015b). Volcanic evolution of central Basse-Terre Island revisited on the basis of new geochronology, and geomorphology data. Bulletin of volcanology 77(10), 84.

8. Ricci, J., Lahitte, P., Quidelleur, X., (2015). Construction and destruction rates of volcanoes within tropical environment: Examples from the Basse-Terre Island (Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles). Geomorphology 228, 597-607.

9. Zami, F., Quidelleur, X., Ricci, J., Lebrun, J.F., Samper, A., (2014). Initial sub-aerial volcanic activity along the central Lesser Antilles inner arc: New K-Ar ages from Les Saintes volcanoes. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 287, 12-21.

10. Ricci, J., Quidelleur, X., Pavlov, P., Orlov, S., Shatsillo, A., Courtillot, V., (2013). New 40Ar/39Ar and K–Ar ages of the Viluy traps (Eastern Siberia): Further evidence for a relationship with the Frasnian–Famennian mass extinction. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 386, 531-540.