Margarete Jadamec

Supervisors: Wouter Schellart, Margarete Jadamec and Louis Moresi

Field of study: Geodynamics, tectonics

Support Offered: Training in geodynamic modelling & plate tectonics

Preferred Program: Honours or MSc (one project)

Subduction zones are the most dramatic and enigmatic features on Earth that drive the tectonic plates, are responsible for the accretion of continental crust, and are the source of the largest earthquakes on Earth that can cause devastating tsunamis. The Australian plate is bordered by subduction zones to the north and east, and as such, a deep understanding of subduction zone dynamics is highly relevant to Australian society. One project is available to investigate the kinematics and dynamics of subduction with analogue models (scaled laboratory models). The student will have the opportunity to learn how to set up laboratory models of subduction, conduct experiments, learn about the physical properties of the model materials involved, learn about scaling of the models, and learn how to extract quantitative information from the experiments. The predictions made by the models can be compared with observations on Earth, such as provided by kinematic studies of subduction zone behaviour, Wadati-Benioff zone geometry, subduction zone earthquakes, seismic tomography and plate reconstructions. With this study the student will get an integrated view of the fundamental geodynamic processes involved in subduction zone behaviour and plate tectonics. Depending on the interests and experience of the student, the laboratory results may also be complemented with computer simulations of subduction zone processes.
For further information contact Wouter Schellart.
 

Supervisors: Margarete Jadamec, Wouter Schellart,  Marek Vanco (Google Earth) &  Magali Billen (Uni. of California, Davis, USA)

Field of study: Tectonics/ Computational Geodynamics

Support Offered: Training in use of software

Collaborating Organizations:  University of California, Davis USA

Preferred Program: Honours (one project)

This project will investigate the three-dimensional (3D) geometric and thermal structure of the subducted part of the plate in the global set of subduction zones. A newly developed software program, SlabProcessor, will be used to generate subduction zone architecture from Wadati-Benioff zone seismicity. Predicted 3D slab geometry will be tested against local tomographic data where available. Depending on interest, static models of the 3D thermal structure of selected subduction zones could be generated, assuming a half-space cooling model and simple diffusion analysis. This could lead to the set up and running of 3D instantaneous subduction zone models. The program, SlabProcessor, runs on windows and on Mac. No experience necessary, just an interest in tectonics, subduction zones, and possibly 3D Visualization. For further information contact Margarete Jadamec.
 

Supervisors: Margarete Jadamec, Louis Moresi &  Magali Billen (Uni. of California, Davis, USA)

Field of study: Tectonics/ Computational Geodynamics

Support Offered: Training in use of software

Collaborating Organizations:  University of California, Davis USA

Preferred Program: Honours and MSc (2 projects)

This project is a continuation of a Ph.D. project that involved three-dimensional (3D) numerical modeling of a subduction zone-transform plate boundary. The previous geodynamic models tested the effect of slab geometry, plate coupling, rheology, and continental weak zones on lithospheric deformation and on deformation within the Earth’s mantle. This project will test the effects of a collided/subducted terrane on the mantle flow field and on the predicted strain rate, dynamic topography, and stress field in the overriding plate. We expect that the subduction of an oceanic plateau will be important for the observed slab geometry (flat slab) and may contribute to the timing of the intra-continental deformation in the overriding plate (mountains > 6 km elevation initiated at 5-6 Ma) in southern Alaska. There are several parts of the project, so it can be more (MSc) or less (Honours) computer intensive. 3D visualization techniques will be used for part of the analysis. For further information contact Margarete Jadamec.
 

Supervisors: Margarete Jadamec, Louis Moresi, Wesley Wallace (Uni. of Alaska, Fairbanks, USA) & Michelle McGee-Thompson (Shell Oil)

Field of study: Geology/ Computational Geodynamics

Support Offered: Training in use of software

Collaborating Organizations:  University of Alaska, Fairbanks USA

Preferred Program: Honours (1 project)

Asymmetric folds underlain by thrust faults are a common feature of fold-and-thrust belts worldwide, and a variety of geometric and kinematic models have been proposed for their origin. In the eastern Brooks Range foreland fold-and-thrust belt (USA), the structural disruption of bedding in the anticlinal forelimbs by high-order folds and thrust faults indicates strain localization in this region of the fold and is interpreted to be a record of the transition from folding to thrust-break through as shortening continued in each structure. This project will use numerical models to test the effects of mechanical stratigraphy (and possibly applied shear) on the fold evolution. Previously collected structural and stratigraphic field data will be used as model constraints. No experience necessary, just an interest in spectacularly exposed folded crust (km size), how that happens, and possibly computers. For further information contact Margarete Jadamec.