John Encarnacion, Ph.D.
Director of Undergraduate Geoscience Programs
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Courses Taught
Earth's Dynamic Environment; Drifting Continents; Mineralogy; Petrology; Structural Geology; Special Topics: Ore Deposits; Special Topics: Optical Mineralogy/Petrography; Divergent and Convergent Margins; Isotope Geochemistry; Advanced Petrology; Geoscience Seminars; Journal Club
Research Interests
Encarnacion is interested in a variety of tectonic and petrologic problems dealing
with subduction, magmatism, island arc and continental crustal growth as well as ore
deposits. His research has taken him to Antarctica, China, Iceland, Madagascar, the
Philippines, and southern Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique).
John Encarnacion's personal webpage
Publications and Media Placements
48. Shavers*, E. Ghulam, A., and Encarnacion, J. (in revision) Surface Alteration
of a Melilitite-Clan Carbonatite and the Potential for Remote Detection. Ore Geology
Reviews
47. Shavers*, E. Ghulam, A., Encarnacion, J., and Hartling*, S. (2017) Emplacement
of ultramafic-carbonatite intrusions along reactivated North American Mid-continent
Rift structures. Tectonophysics, 712-713, 716-722. PDF
46. Keenan*, T. Encarnacion, J., Buchwaldt, R., Fernandez*, D., Mattinson, J.,Rasoazanamparany*,
C., and Luetkemeyer*, P.B. (2016) Rapid conversion of an oceanic spreading center
to a subduction zone inferred from high-precision geochronology. Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences, 113 (47), E7359-E7366. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1609999113.
PDF
45. Keenan*, T. and Encarnacion, J. (2016) Correspondence: Unclear causes for subduction.
Nature Geoscience, 9, 338. PDF
44. Paulsen, T., Encarnacion, J., Grunow, A., and Pecha, M. (2016) Zircon U–Pb age
constraints for a Cambrian age for metasedimentary rocks at O'Brien Peak, Antarctica.
New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics. DOI: 10.1080/00288306.2016.1182033.
PDF
43. Shavers*, E.J., Ghulam, A., Encarnacion, J., Bridges, D.L., Luetkemeyer*, P.B.
(2016) Carbonatite associated with ultramafic diatremes in the Avon Volcanic District,
Missouri, USA: Field, petrographic, and geochemical constraints. Lithos, 248-251,
506-516. PDF
42. Guo, X., Gao, R., Wang, H., Li, W., Keller, G.R., Xu, X., Li, H., and Encarnacion,
J., (2015) Crustal structure beneath the Tibet-Ordos transition zone, NE Tibet, and
the implications for plateau expansion. Geophysical Research Letters DOI:10.1002/2015GL066668
PDF
41. Paulsen, T.S., Encarnacion, J., Grunow, A.M., Valencia, V.A., Layer, P.W., Pecha,
M., Stump, E., Roeske, S., Thao, S., and Rasoazanamparany*, C. (2015) Detrital mineral
ages from the Ross Supergroup, Antarctica: Implications for the Queen Maud terrane
and outboard sediment provenance on the Gondwana margin. Gondwana Research, 27, 377-391.
PDF
40. Zhang, Z., Li, J., and Encarnacion, J. (2014) Iron Metallogeny in China --- An
introduction to the special issue. Ore Geology Reviews, 57, 243-246. PDF
39. Hou, T., Zhang, Z., Pirajno, F., Santosh, M., Encarnacion, J., Liu, J., Zhao,
Z., and Zhang, L. (2014) Geology, tectonic settings and iron ore metallogenesis associated
with submarine volcanism in China: An overview. Ore Geology Reviews, 57, 498-517.
PDF
38. Zhang, D., Zhang, Z., Huang, H., Encarnacion, J., Zhou, N., and Ding, X. (2014)
Platinum group elemental and Re-Os isotopic geochemistry of the Wajilitag and Puchang
Fe-Ti-V oxide deposits, northwestern Tarim large igneous province. Ore Geology Reviews,
57, 589-601. PDF
37. Hou*, T. Zhang, Z., Santosh, M., Encarnacion, J., Zhu, J. Luo, W. (2014) Geochronology
and geochemistry of submarine volcanic rocks in the Yamansu iron deposit, Eastern
Tianshan Mountains, NW China: Constraints on the metallogenesis. Ore Geology Reviews,
57, 487-502. PDF
36. Hou*, T., Zhang, Z. Santosh, M., Encarnacion, J., and Wang, M. (2013) The Cihai
diabase in the Beishan region, NW China: Isotope geochronology, geochemistry and implications
for Cornwall-style iron mineralization. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 70/71, 231-249.
PDF
35. Paulsen, T., Encarnacion, J., Grunow, A., Valencia, V., Pecha, M., Layer, P.,
Rasoazanamparany*, C. (2013) Age and significance of 'outboard' high grade metamorphics
and intrusives of the Ross Orogen, Antarctica. Gondwana Research, 24, 349-358. PDF
34. Hou*, T. Zhang, Z., Encarnacion, J., Santosh, M., and Sun, Y. (2013) The role
of recycled oceanic crust in magmatism and metallogeny: Os-Sr-Nd isotopes, U-Pb geochronology
and geochemistry of picritic dykes in the Panzhihua giant Fe-Ti oxide deposit, central
Emeishan large igneous province, SW China. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology,
165, 805-822. PDF
33. Guo*, X., Encarnacion, Xu, X., J., Deino, A., Li, Z., and Tian, X. (2012) Collision,
rotation, and subduction withdrawal of the Yangtze block and the exhumation of UHP
rocks in the Dabie Shan. Terra Nova, 24, 339–350. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3121.2012.01072.x
PDF
32. Hou*, T., Zhang, Z., Encarnacion, J., and Santosh, M. (2012) Petrogenesis of the
Taihe gabbroic intrusion associated with Fe-Ti-oxide ores in the Panxi district, Emeishan
large igneous province, SW China: Constraints on metallogenesis. Ore Geology Review,
49, 109-127. PDF
31. Amer*, R., Ripperdan, R., Tao, W., Encarnación, J. (2012) Groundwater Quality
and Management in Arid and Semi-arid Regions: Case study, Central Eastern Desert of
Egypt. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 69, 13-25. PDF
30. Zhang, D., Zhang, Z., Encarnacion, J., Xue, C., Duan, S., Zhao, Z., and Liu, J.
(2012) Petrogenesis of the Kekesai composite intrusion, western Tianshan, NW China:
Implications for tectonic evolution during late Paleozoic time, Lithos, 146-147, pp.
65-79. PDF
29. Wang, M., Zhang, Z., Encarnacion, J., Hou*, T., Luo, W. (2012) Geochronology and
geochemistry of the Nantianwan mafic-ultramafic complex, Emeishan large igneous province:
constraints on the metallogenesis of magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposits and geodynamic
setting. International Geology Review, 54, 1746-1764. DOI: 10.1080/00206814.2012.668766
PDF
28. Amer*, R., Sultan, M., Ripperdan, R., and Encarnacion, J. (2012) Structural Architecture
for Development of Marginal Extensional Sub-basins in the Red Sea Active Rift Zone.
International Journal of Geosciences, 3, 133-152. DOI:10.4236/ijg.2012.31016 PDF
27. Hou*, T., Zhang, Z., Encarnacion, J. (2012) Geochronology and geochemistry of
Washan dioritic porphyry associated with Kiruna-type iron ores, Middle-Lower Yangtze
River Valley, Eastern China: implication for petrogenesis and mineralization. International
Geology Review, 54, 1332-1352. DOI: 10.1080/00206814.2012.659109 PDF
26. Hou*, T., Zhang, Z., Ye, X., Encarnacion, and Reichow, M.K. (2011) Noble gas isotopic
systematics of Fe-Ti-V oxide-hosted mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions in the Panxi
area, China: The role of mafic recycled oceanic crust in their petrogenesis. Geochimica
Cosmochimica Acta, 75, 6727-6741. PDF
25. Paulsen, T., Encarnacion J., Valencia, V., Roti-Roti, J., Rasoazanamparany*, C.
(2011). Detrital U-Pb zircon analysis of an Eocene McMurdo Erratic sandstone, McMurdo
Sound, Antarctica. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 54:3, 353-360. PDF
24. Key, R.M., Pitfield, P.E., Thomas, R.J., Goodenough, K.M., de Waele, B., Schofield,
D.I., Bauer, W., Horstwood, M.S.A., Styles, M.T., Conrad, J., Encarnacion, J., Lidke,
D.J., O'Connor, E.A., Potter, C., Smith, R.A., Walsh, G.J., Ralison, A.V., Randriamananjara,
T., Rafahatelo, J.M., and Rabarimanana, M. (2011) Polyphase Neoproterozoic orogenesis
within the East Africa-Antarctica orogenic belt in central and northern Madagascar.
Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 357, 49-68. doi: 10.1144/SP357.4
PDF
23. Hou*, T., Zhang, Z. Encarnacion, J., Du, Y., Zhao, Z., Liu, J. (2010) Geochemistry
of Late Mesozoic dioritic porphyries associated with Kiruna-style and stratabound
carbonate-hosted Zhonggu iron ores, Middle–Lower Yangtze Valley, Eastern China: Constraints
on petrogenesis and iron sources. Lithos, 119, 330-344. PDF
22. Paulsen, T., Encarnacion, J., Grunow, A., Valencia, V.and Rasoazanamparany*, C.
(2008). Late Sinistral Shearing along Gondwana's Paleo-Pacific Margin in the Ross
Orogen, Antarctica: New Structure and Age Data from the O'Brien Peak Area. Journal
of Geology, 116, 303–312. PDF
21. Paulsen, T., Encarnacion, J., Grunow, A.M., Layer, P., Watkeys, M. (2007) New
age constraints for a short pulse in Ross orogen deformation triggered by East–West
Gondwana suturing. Gondwana Research, 12, 417-427. PDF
20. Encarnación, J., Paulsen, T., and Watkeys, M. (2005) Testing the SWEAT hypothesis
and Neoproterozoic –Cambrian orogenies in the Nimrod Glacier area: Antarctic Journal
of the U.S., 33, 351-356. PDF
19. Encarnacion, J. (2004) "Northern Philippine ophiolites: analogues to Precambrian
greenstone belts?" in "Precambrian Ophiolites and Related Rocks", Developments in
Precambrian Geology, vol. 13, pp. 615-625. Elsevier press. PDF
18. Encarnación, J. (2004) "Multiple ophiolite generation preserved in the northern
Philippines and the growth of an island arc complex" Tectonophysics, 392, 103-130.
PDF
17. Paulsen, T., Encarnacion, J., and Grunow, A. (2004) Structure and timing of deformation
in the Shackleton Glacier area, Ross orogen, Antarctica. Journal of the Geological
Society, London, 161, 1027-1038. PDF
16. Grunow, A.M. and Encarnacion, J. (2000) Cambro-Ordovician paleomagnetic and geochronologic
data from southern Victoria Land, Antarctica: Revision of the Gondwana apparent Polar
Wander Path. Geophysical Journal International, 141, 392-400. PDF
15. Kirschner, D., Encarnacion, J., and Agosta, F. (2000) Incorporating stable-isotope
geochemistry in undergraduate laboratory courses. Journal of Geoscience Education,
48, 209-215.
14. Grunow, A.M. and Encarnación, J. (2000) Allochthonous terranes or true polar wander:
New data from the Scott Glacier area, Antarctica: Tectonics, 19, 168-181. PDF
13. Encarnación, J., Rowell, A.J., and Grunow, A.M. (1999) A U-Pb age for the Cambrian
Taylor Formation, Antarctica: Implications for the Cambrian timescale: Journal of
Geology, 107, 497-504. PDF
12. Encarnación, J.P., Mukasa, S.B., and Evans, C. (1999) Subduction components and
the generation of arc-like melts in the Zambales ophiolite (Philippines): Pb, Sr,
Nd isotopic constraints: Chemical Geology, 156, 343-357. PDF
11. Grunow, A.M., Encarnacion, J., Paulsen, T., and Rowell, A.J. (1998) New geologic
constraints on basement rocks from the Shackleton Glacier Region. Antarctic Journal
of the U.S., 1996 Review Issue (Volume 31, number 2) PDF
10. Encarnación, J.P., and Mukasa, S.B. (1997) Age and geochemistry of an 'anorogenic'
crustal melt and implications for the origin of I-type granites: Lithos, 42(1-2),
1-13. PDF
9. Encarnación, J.P., Grunow, A.M. (1996) Changing magmatic and tectonic styles along
the paleo-Pacific margin of Gondwana and the onset of early Paleozoic magmatism in
Antarctica: Tectonics, 15, 1325-1341. PDF
8. Encarnación, J.P., Fleming, T.H., Elliot, D.H., and Eales, H.V. (1996) Synchronous
emplacement of Ferrar and Karoo dolerites and the early break-up of Gondwana: Geology,
24, 535-538. PDF
7. Grunow, A.M. and J. Encarnacion (1995) Tectonic studies on Lower Paleozoic rocks
from the Scott Glacier, Antarctica, Antarctic Journal of the United States, Review
1995, 30, 60-61.
6. Encarnación, J.P., Essene, E.J., Mukasa, S.B., Hall, C. (1995) High pressure and
temperature subophiolitic kyanite garnet amphibolites generated during initiation
of mid-Tertiary subduction, Palawan, Philippines: Journal of Petrology, 36, 1481-1503.
PDF
5. Encarnación, J.P., S.B. Mukasa and E.C. Obille, Jr. (1993) Zircon U-Pb geochronology
of the Zambales and Angat ophiolites, Luzon, Philippines: Evidence for and Eocene
arc-back arc pair: Journal of Geophysical Research, 98, 19991-20004. PDF
4. Grunow, A.M. and Encarnación, J.P. (1993) Paleomagnetic and geochronologic studies
of igneous rocks from Southern Victoria Land: Antarctic Journal of the U.S., Review
Issue, 28, 21-23. PDF
Geologic Maps
3. Encarnacion, J. and Pitfield, P.E.J. (2008) Geologic Map of Madagascar Sheet P51
Ambohimitombo [map]. Scale: 1:100,000. Keyworth, Nottingham, UK. Published by the
British Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey. PDF
2. Encarnacion, J. and Key, R.M. (2008) Geologic Map of Madagascar Sheet S45 Didy
[map]. Scale: 1:100,000. Keyworth, Nottingham, UK. Published by the British Geological
Survey and U.S. Geological Survey. PDF
1. Key, R.M. and Pitfield, P.E.J., Encarnacion, J. (contributor) (2008) Geologic Map
of Madagascar Sheet Q49 - Ambohimilanja [map]. Scale: 1:100,000. Keyworth, Nottingham,
UK. Published by the British Geological Survey and U.S. Geological Survey. PDF
Community Work and Service
- Gives about a dozen presentations a year to K-12 schools and other public presentations on volcanoes, earthquakes, plate tectonics, and geoscience careers through the Partners in Education Program (Rockwood School District), the Academy of Science of Saint Louis, and the Saint Louis Science Center's Science Cafe series and OASIS program.
- Leads the annual week-long departmental geoscience field trip
- Co-led several trips for the Saint Louis Science Center's Travel Programs