Structural Geology

Nicholas Hunter (PhD)
In my project I am using microstructures and textures of mylonitic rocks to develop methods through which the structural and dynamic properties of crustal shear zones can be quantitatively described. The Main Central Thrust (Alaknanda Valley, NW Himalaya)  is a natural laboratory for this type of work, as it comprises variably deformed quartz mylonite units across its structure. The simple composition of these units serve as an ideal medium for advanced microstructural analysis. I combine electron back scatter diffraction, neutron diffraction and optical   petrography to understand the development of crystallographic preferred orientations (CPO), the modification of microstructures, and the activity of different deformation mechanisms along the strain profile. At the completion of my thesis I hope to provide a quantitative framework for describing shear zones worldwide.

Ms Helen McFarlane (PhD)
My project aims to unravel the structural and metamorphic evolution of the Sefwi greenstone belt using a multidisciplinary approach. Here, a new litho-structural map is proposed following the integration of structural and metamorphic mapping with the interpretation of regional geophysical data sets. Peak metamorphic conditions recorded by discreet terranes within and adjacent to the belt were calculated using Perple_X, the timing of which is to be constrained with in-situ monazite and titanite dating. Complimentary geochemical and geochronological analysis allows characterization and timing of discreet magmatic events and metamorphic events associated with the Eburnean Orogeny. The holistic approach of this project will provide insights into geodynamic processes responsible for the cratonisation of the West African Craton during the Palaeoproterozoic.

Mathias Egglseder (PhD)
My project focuses on the application of structural geology principles to banded iron formation (BIF) - hosted iron ore deposits in the Hamersley Province, Western Australia. My goal is to improve the understanding of how BIF deform and the involved processes on multiple scales by combining microtectonics, microfabric analyses and X-ray microscopy with geochemistry and deposit-scale 3D implicit and explicit modelling.

Lauren Wolfram (PhD)

My PhD research looks at high-temperature metamorphic rocks (migmatites) and granites in northwest Argentina, and the processes contributing to elemental differentiation of the earth during melting of the continental crust. I have implemented a multidisciplinary approach integrating detailed field observations, metamorphic and igneous petrography, whole rock and mineral geochemistry, and zircon and monazite geochronology. I hope to contribute to further understanding the evolution and compositional diversity of crustal-derived magmas, and assess the broader implications for differentiation and thermal stability of the continental crust.

Frediano Clos (PhD)

The aim of my project is to provide new structural, geochemical and metamorphic constraints on the evolution of the Archean Yalgoo Dome, a broad elliptical dome (50x100 km) in the Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia.

Ms Alice Roberts (PhD)