Dr. Wouter Schellart

Supervisors: 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

Supervisors: 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

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 (1 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