Assoc Prof. Louis Moresi

Supervisor: Wouter Schellart, Margarete Jadamec & Louis Moresi
Field of study: Geodynamics, tectonics
Support offered: Training in geodynamic modelling & plate tectonics
Preferred Programme: 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.
 

Supervisor/s: Wouter Schellart & Louis Moresi  
Field of study: Geodynamics, tectonics
Support offered: Training in geodynamic modelling & plate tectonics
Preferred Programme: Honours or MSc (one project)

The aim of this project is to understand the structural evolution and kinematics of backarc basins. Backarc basins are found around the globe and are important as potential hosts for hydrocarbons and mineral deposits. Thus, it is of great importance to have a detailed understanding of their tectonic evolution. In Australia, a deep understanding of backarc basin formation and evolution is of particular importance, as the Australian east coast is bordered by many fossil and active backarc basins. The student can investigate one particular backarc basin in great detail and built a tectonic reconstruction, or do a parametric study. The student will have the opportunity to learn how to set up laboratory models of subduction, conduct experiments, learn about properties of the materials involved, learn about scaling of the models, and learn to built tectonic reconstructions. Depending on interests and experience, the student may also focus (part of) its study on the physical properties of laboratory materials. For further information contact: Wouter Schellart.
 

Supervisor/s: Margarete Jadamec, Louis Moresi & Magali Billen (Uni. of California, Davis, USA)
Field of study: Computational Geodynamics/ Tectonics
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.
 

Supervisor/s: Fabio Capitanio & Louis Moresi

Field of study: Tectonics, geomorphology and computational geodynamics
Support offered: Training in geodynamic/geomorphologymodelling
Preferred Programme: Honours or MSc

The computational geodynamics group has an incredible breadth of people working on computational models of the dynamics of subduction zones. If you choose to work in this group we will involve you in an active research programme which studies the evolution and mechanics of subduction using computation, analogue modelling, and geological data. You will learn how to build and run computational models and interact with geophysical datasets (no previous modelling experience necessary).
 

Supervisor/s: Margarete Jadamec,  Louis Moresi,  Wesley Wallace (Uni. of Alaska, Fairbanks, USA) & Michelle McGee-Thompson (Shell Oil)
Field of study: Structural 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: Magarete Jadamec.
 

Supervisor/s: Louis Moresi & Peter Betts

Field of study: Tectonics and Geodynamics
Support Offered:  Project costs
Preferred Program:  Honours

In this project you will explore the conditions in which strike slips systems evolve using numerical simulations and compare these with natural systems in either geological or geophysical data.  The project will involve the use of existing numerical models to determine the influence of crustal rheology and strength on the behaviour of strike-slip faults, in particular determining the conditions favourable for partitioning of strain versus conditions favourable for distribution of strain.  Examples of these systems occur in nature.  Geophysical data will be utilised to assess the architecture and geometry of natural fault systems further constrain and provide feedback for numerical models.