Many of the processes that shape Earth over timescales from human to geological arise from liquid–solid interactions. These interactions can be thermodynamic (e.g. melting, solidification), as well as mechanical (e.g. lubrication, change in viscosity). My research group is focused on the coupled dynamics of liquid—solid systems: partially molten rock, temperate ice, and sedimentary basins are the most prominent recent examples. Since 2020, we have also been focusing on elasticity, flexure, and fluid-driven fracture and its role in porous-flow systems.
Here is an incomplete list of project areas that I am interested to explore with potential students:
- Interaction of tides with ice-sheet/ice-shelf systems;
- Magmatic intrusions, dikes and sills within water-saturated sedimentary basins;
- The dynamics of crustal resource emplacement including hydrothermal transport & reactive flows;
- Subduction zone magmatism and magmatic interaction with the lithosphere;
- The dynamics of dislocations in minerals and how this is upscaled to rheological models of rocks;
- The interaction of tides with dynamo-generating flows in Earth's core.
My group works with models that derive from first principles — the fluid and solid mechanics, thermodynamics, and basic chemistry of such system. We use high-performance computing resources as well as analytical tools to obtain solutions that predict the (often complex) behaviour of natural systems. Students joining this research group will use techniques of mathematical modelling to investigate systems in which liquid—solid interaction plays a fundamental role. Collaboration with observationalists will form the basis for most projects.
Candidates with a background in physics or applied mathematics are particularly encouraged to get in touch about projects.
Experience & Qualifications
MSc and PhD from Columbia University, New York, USA in Geodynamics
12 years as a Lecturer and Professor at the University of Oxford; 2 years as a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge
