Relationship between subduction dynamics, plate motions and ore deposit formation during the last 140 million years
Summary
This project aims to assess the relative importance of subduction dynamics and plate kinematics on the formation of ore-deposits along convergent margins with an integration into global mantle flow models.
Supervisor(s)
Dr Maria Seton, Associate Professor Dietmar Muller
Research Location
Program Type
N/A
Synopsis
Subduction dynamics plays an important role in the formation of major convergent-margin ore-deposits including massive sulphides, orogenic vein gold and porphyry deposits. Knowledge regarding the formation of ore-deposits in their tectonic, thermal and magmatic context is essential to understand the deposit-forming mass-transfer process. This project will involve a global analysis of convergent margins using a recently completed global plate motion model (Müller et. al. 2008, Science) to determine the plate kinematic conditions under which ore-deposits form. An analysis of ridge and plateau subduction events from the Cretaceous to the present day will also be examined. Additionally, this project will involve the development of mantle flow models to constrain the potential location, type and size of ore-deposits in subduction settings. The knowledge gained from this study will be useful for exploring and understanding older ore-bearing convergent style margins such as the eastern margin of Australia.
Additional Information
The student will have the opportunity to work with one of the world’s leading research groups in global tectonics, earth dynamics and e-research. There is the potential for research travel money through the Edgeworth David Travelling Scholarship, which is offered to several students per year within the School of Geosciences.
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Keywords
subduction, plate tectonics, ore-deposits, convergent margins, mantle dynamics, geology, geophysics, geodynamics
Opportunity ID
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 633
Other opportunities with Dr Maria Seton
Other opportunities with Associate Professor Dietmar Muller
- Breakup tectonics and volcanism of the Western Australian continental margin
- Time-dependent heat-flow, dynamic topography and mantle convection modeling in the Arctic borderlands
- Resolving the origin of the anomalous heatflow and subsidence history of Australia’s hydrocarbon yielding basins
- The Subduction Reference System: unravelling the causes of long-term sea-level change
- Planet-scale reorganizations of the plate–mantle system
- Crustal growth mechanisms on the Cretaceous Andean Margin