Research

My research include geochemistry of upper mantle, mantle-derived rocks and black shales, but also a specific mineralogy from various geotectonic environments. This approach comprises major/trace element whole-rock and mineral geochemistry and highly siderophile element (Os, Ir, Ru, Pd, Pt, Au) geochemistry combined with radiogenic (Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf-Os) and stable (O, C, S) isotope geochemistry.

Current projects are focused on several topics which include:

[1] Black shale formations as geochemical markers of paleoenvironmental changes and tectonic setting along active continental margins (in co-operation with Jan Pašava - Czech Geological Survey and Jiří Žák - Charles University) - this project combines tectonic and structural analysis with geochronology, major/trace and Os–Nd–Cr–Mo–S isotope geochemistry to unravel the influence of tectonic setting on the composition of black shale formations and explore their potential as stratigraphic markers in accretionary systems at convergent plate margins. Furthermore, the project contributes to better understanding of processes causing variable oxygen levels throughout the Earth`s history, with a particular emphasis on the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian boundary associated with the Great Explosion of life on the Earth.

[2] Geochemistry of Australasian tektites and possible source rocks in SE Asia (member of the project lead by Roman Skála - Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences)

[3] Geochronology of black shales from the Greater McArthur Basin, Australia (in co-operation with University of Adelaide, The Northern Territory Geological Survey, Santos and Origin)

[4] Highly siderophile element and Re-Os isotopic geochemistry of carbonatites and associated alkaline rocks from the selected localities in India (S India, Deccan Traps) and worldwide (North America, East and South Africa)

[5] Geochronology of selected ore mineralizations from the Bohemian Massif using molybdenite, pyrite and arsenopyrite Re-Os geochronology combined with U-Pb zircon geochronology (in co-operation with Robert Creaser - University of Alberta)

Beside these fields, I`m also involved in development of numerous analytical methods which include sample preparation for trace and isotopic (Sr-Nd-Pb) analyses on HR-ICP-MS and TIMS spectrometry.

In the past, my PhD. thesis was oriented on upper mantle xenoliths from various tectonic terrains of the Bohemian Massif. This study has two main objectives: (1) trace element (LILE, HFSE) and isotope geochemistry and (2) behaviour of platinum-group elements (PGE) during partial melting, fractional and enrichment processes in the upper mantle including Re-Os geochemistry and laser ablation PGE analyses of upper mantle mineral phases (including silicates).Simultaneously, I also studied platinum-group element geochemistry of strongly differentiated magmatic complexes (peridotites, gabbross, Fe-diorites) from the Bohemian Massif and PGE mineralization associated with (ultra)mafic rocks. In comparison, my MSc. thesis was focused on genesis and evolution of granitic pegmatites from Vlastejovice region (E Bohemia). Two distinct types of pegmatites (fluorite-bearing barren and lithium-bearing) were studied in order to explain their P-T conditions as well as composition and evolution of associated fluids. Additionally, origin of reaction rims of the barren pegmatites with enormous quantities of fluorite and other F-bearing minerals was discussed.