| Citation | Cann is known for his broad-ranging research on the generation of ocean crust at mid-ocean ridges. He was a pioneer in recognising the profound effects of seawater circulation on the nature of oceanic crustal materials, solving the long-standing spilite problem and characterising the alteration patterns associated with ancient seawater circulation in the Troodos ophiolite in Cyprus. He demonstrated the distinctive geochemical character of mid-ocean ridge basalt lavas, and is working on magma dynamics of slow-spreading ridges. His modelling predicted the discovery of crustal magma chambers at mid-ocean ridges, the presence of zones of intense hydrothermal reaction within ocean crust and the downflow of ocean water into holes drilled in seafloor black smoker hot spring systems. He was the originator of the new BRIDGE (British Mid-Ocean Ridge) initiative and is its chief scientist. |