overview
My research focuses on mathematical and numerical modeling of dynamic geophysical and geochemical systems, including: Grain-scale dynamics of unconsolidated sediment and fault gouge; Discrete element method for modeling granular materials; Pressure solution; Fluid flow through porous media; Mantle convection and crustal generation beneath spreading centers, subduction zones, intraplate volcanoes; Physics and chemistry of mantle partial melting and melt migration; and Thermal and differentiation history of icy solar system bodies.
education and training
- Ph.D. in Geology, Brown University - (Providence, Rhode Island, United States) 1992
- B.S. in Geology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - (Troy, New York, United States) 1985
selected publications
Academic Articles22
- Knicely, J., Everett, M. E., & Sparks, D. W. (2017). Magnetic anomalies on Io and their relationship to the spatial distribution of volcanic centers. Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors. 269, 133-147.
- He, W., Sparks, D., & Hajash, A. (2013). Reactive transport at stressed grain contact and creep compaction of quartz sand. Journal of Geophysical Research (JGR): Solid Earth. 118(2), 497-510.
- Makedonska, N., Sparks, D. W., Aharonov, E., & Goren, L. (2011). Friction versus dilation revisited: Insights from theoretical and numerical models. Journal of Geophysical Research (JGR): Solid Earth. 116(B9),
- Goren, L., Aharonov, E., Sparks, D., & Toussaint, R. (2011). The Mechanical Coupling of Fluid-Filled Granular Material Under Shear. Pure and Applied Geophysics. 168(12), 2289-2323.
- Goren, L., Aharonov, E., Sparks, D., & Toussaint, R. (2010). Pore pressure evolution in deforming granular material: A general formulation and the infinitely stiff approximation. Journal of Geophysical Research (JGR): Solid Earth. 115(B9),
Chapters2
- Nataliya, M., Goren, L., Sparks, D., & Aharonov, E. (2009). What controls the effective friction of shearing granular media?. Meso-Scale Shear Physics in Earthquake and Landslide Mechanics. 191-203. Taylor & Francis.
- Sparks, D. W., & Parmentier, E. M. (1994). Chapter 4 The Generation and Migration of Partial Melt beneath Oceanic Spreading Centers. International Geophysics Series. Michael P. Ryan. (Eds.), Magmatic Systems. 55-76. Elsevier.
Conference Papers3
- Goren, L., Toussaint, R., Aharonov, E., Sparks, D. W., & Flekky, E. (2013). A General Criterion for Liquefaction in Granular Layers with Heterogeneous Pore Pressure. Poromechanics V. 415-424.
- Aharonov, E., Goren, L., Sparks, D. W., & Toussaint, R. (2013). Localization of Shear in Saturated Granular Media: Insights from a Multi-Scaled Granular-Fluid Model. Poromechanics V. 471-480.
- Cheadle, M. J., & Sparks, D (2002). Can Komatiites be 'dry' plume-type magmas?. GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA. 66(15A), A133-A133.
researcher on
Principal Investigator1
awards and honors
- University Professorships for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence conferred by Texas A&M University - (College Station, Texas, United States) - Thaman Professorship in Undergraduate Teaching Excellence 2020
recent teaching activities
- CLGE001 Geo Math Learning Community Instructor
- GEOL101 Principles Of Geology Instructor
- GEOL102 Principles Of Geology Lab Instructor
- GEOL180 Intro To Geology & Geophysics Instructor
- GEOL210 Geological Communication Instructor
chaired theses and dissertations
- Higby, Kevin Kenneth (2016-05). The Effect of Fluid Flow in Fault Gouge During Simulated Earthquakes. (Master's Thesis)
- Bianco, Ronald (2013-12). The Effects of Fluid Flow On Shear Localization and Frictional Strength From Dynamic Models Of Fault Gouge During Earthquakes. (Master's Thesis)
- Mohamed, Ahmed Mohamed Anwar Sayed (2013-08). Semi-analytical Solution for Multiphase Fluid Flow Applied to CO2 Sequestration in Geologic Porous Media. (Doctoral Dissertation)
- Raney, Robert 1987- (2012-12). Fluid Migration During Ice/Rock Planetesimal Differentiation. (Master's Thesis)
- Dadi, Sireesh Kumar (2011-10). A Study to Verify the Material Surface Concept of Water Table by Examining Analytical and Numerical Models.. (Master's Thesis)
Email
david-w-sparks@tamu.edu
First Name
David
Last Name
Sparks
mailing address
Texas A&M University; Geology; 3115 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-3115
USA
