Research Interests

My research investigates the role of physical processes which are active in geological settings such as volcanoes and orogenic belts. This includes a range of topics in geological fluid mechanics, tectonics and geodynamics:

My current research investigates the dynamics of cooling and solidifying gravity-driven flows, with the most obvious real-world application being a better understanding of the morphology and evolution of lava flows. Previous experimental work within the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Group here at RSES has examined the dynamics of purely viscous flow, and my research aims to extend these results to more complex viscoplastic rheologies, which may be more realistic models for crystal-rich lavas.

[Read More ...]

Interpreting structures observed in mylonites exposed at the earth's surface is a complex problem, mainly because is is usually very difficult, if not impossible to accurately determine the timing of deformation. Fluid models of mid-crustal materials may provide a constraint on the timing and location of deformation in these zones.

[Read More ...]

A detailed understanding of the pressure and temperature conditions at which metamorphic textures form is essential to deciphering the metamorphic and tectonic history of the planet. Chemically zoned amphibole makes a really good geochemical 'canary', as its complex chemistry allows us to constrain the pressure and temperature conditions at its formation without requiring chemical analysis of other phases present when the amphibole grew.

[Read More ...]

Publications

Photos