We are seeking new members and affiliates conducting research in the following areas.
Geodynamics:
Atlantic margin rift-to-drift − This project will study the evolution of the Atlantic margin during continental breakup and the link to mineral deposits from Baffin to Greenland and from Svalbard to Norway. Using land-based and offshore mapping and dense seismic profiles, the project will explore the different styles of crustal thinning and the potential for ore formation.
Oceanic hotspot influence − This project will examine how oceanic crust is modified by hotspot magmatism (e.g., Iceland, Azores) at the inception of rifting and continental breakup. Students will study onshore and offshore dynamics of hotspot activity (e.g., magmatic diking) and how it influences long-term crustal growth and hydrothermal activity.
South Atlantic detachment faulting − New research has revealed that low-angle detachment faults control a large part of seafloor spreading at slow ridges. This project will explore how these structures evolve and influence melt intrusion and fluid flow, using high-resolution mapping, 3D seismics, and imaging with magnetotellurics.
Indian Ocean off-axis crustal evolution − Oceanic crust is extensively modified as it is spread away from ridges, including by off-axis hydrothermal systems. In partnership with BGR, this project will map the off-axis evolution of Indian oceanic crust that has been affected by large-scale on-axis and off-axis hydrothermal activity.
Ocean crust hydrogeology − Recent drilling of seafloor hydrothermal systems is revealing the remarkable complexity of subseafloor hydrology. This project will combine geophysical measurements with drilling to explore the dynamics of geothermal reservoirs at Reykjanes, Iceland’s North Rift, on the Juan de Fuca Ridge, and the recently drilled Brothers Volcano.
Tonga-Kermadec arc rifting − Crustal imaging experiments at the Western Pacific margin are showing how large-scale magmatic-hydrothermal systems develop from the initiation of arc volcanism to rifting and back-arc spreading. This project will focus on the influence of the subducting slab and mantle on the behaviour of the upper plate rocks.
Lau Basin microplate tectonics − The most richly endowed back-arc crust has forms where complex microplate dynamics focus melts and metal-bearing fluids. With GEOMAR and FAU, we are developing the NE Lau Basin as a new geophysical observatory to understand these processes, which is leading to a number of different thesis projects.
North Fiji Basin and New Hebrides stress regimes and tectonic switching − Abrupt changes in far-field stresses (e.g., opening of the Fiji Basin) are thought to activate melt and fluid flow regionally, but the actual triggers in complex arc-backarc systems have not been identified. This project will focus on the role of far-field tectonic stresses on compressional thickening and extension of island arc crust.
New Britain arc-trench migration and interaction − This study will examine the metallogenic response to collision between plateaus and island arcs and focusing of melts and fluids in complex arc terrane. Crustal imaging and a novel seafloor geodetic network will be used to determine why different parts of arc-trench systems became major pathways for fluid flow.
Aegean crustal extension and metamorphic core complexes − The basement plays a critical role in the metallogenic evolution of continental margin arcs. This project will examine evidence for metal sourcing from metamorphic rocks in core complexes exposed by crustal extension, focusing on the example of the Cyclades detachment.