Welcome to our research group web site
Research aims
The principal aim of the Geodynamics and Palaeomagnetism Group is to make contributions at an international-level to our understanding of the kinematics and evolution of plate tectonic boundaries. We achieve this by using an integration of palaeomagnetic, structural geological, geochronological and other field and laboratory techniques to investigate fundamental processes in a range of geodynamic contexts. Our interests also encompass geohazard assessment, engineering geology and geomorphology, volcanology and economic mineralization.
Research structure
The group consists of eight full-time academic staff (Dr M. W. Anderson; Dr S. J. Boulton; Prof J. S. Griffiths; Dr A. Morris (Convenor); Dr S. Scott; Prof. I. Stewart; Dr G. K. Taylor; Dr C. Wilkins), an Emeritus Professor (Prof D. H. Tarling), one postdoctoral fellow (Dr. N. Pressling) and five PhD students.
The group has close links with the Palaeontology and Palaeoenvironments Research Group and with numerous international researchers via ongoing projects within Argentina, Australia, Chile, Cyprus, Greece, Kenya, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Spain, Syria, Turkey and the UK. We are also involved in Integrated Ocean Drilling Program-related research in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Research facilities include a dedicated palaeomagnetic laboratory, field geophysical and digital mapping, geochemical & petrological equipment.
Research themes and outputs
A focus of our research is the role of rotation in the evolution of convergent plate margins including South America and the Eastern Mediterranean region, resulting in an extensive volume of scientific papers in international volumes (including Geology, Journal of Geophysical Research, Earth & Planetary Science Letters; Tectonophysics etc). These studies have involved collaboration both within our group (which has been essential in order to integrate geophysical and structural insights) and with colleagues in other UK and overseas research institutions. Our integrated structural and magnetic approach is exemplified by a paper in a special publication on the state-of-the-art of magnetic fabric research. An emerging theme of our research is the investigation of crustal processes in the modern oceans, yielding a paper in Geology and on-going opportunities for joint research with world leaders in this field. Finally, we are engaged in geohazard research via investigations of the fundamental causes of landslides and their impacts (leading to a series of specialist publications and extensive consultancy activities), and palaeoseismic investigations of sites in Turkey, Greece and Scotland.