Faulting, fluids and geohazards within subduction zone forearcs

About the project

The project involves study of the faulting within subduction zone forearcs and associated fluids using seismic reflection and other datasets. Slip on the subduction plate-bounding fault is known to generate large magnitude earthquakes and tsunami, but also produces internal deformation through slip on many faults within the forearc, but these have not previously been systematically studied.

The main aims are to understand how these different fault systems develop, how strain is distributed through a forearc, and the role faulting plays in controlling fluid flow within such systems. Gas hydrates and mud diapirism are common at many of these margins and the interaction between faulting and fluid trapping and fluid flow in these environments will be explored. Improved understanding of the development of thrust faults, and other fault types, will provide important data on how faulting affects the potential for fluid storage, including CO 2 storage for decarbonisation and trapping of hydrocarbon resources.

This project is also relevant to our improved understanding of geohazards in terms of how fluids affect fault slip, generating earthquakes and tsunami, and marine slope failure, which can impact seafloor infrastructure. Example subduction zones to be used in the project are:

For full project details visit the Inspire project page .

• Sumatra
• the Makran
• Cascadia

Supervisors

• Professor Lisa Mcneill (University of Southampton)
• Professor Tim Henstock (University of Southampton)
• Professor Tim Minshull (University of Southampton)

Professor Lisa Mcneill

• Active tectonics
• Geohazards
• Marine geophysics

Professor Tim Henstock

• Applying Physics to understand processes within the Earth system
• Imaging Earth structure on scales of 0.1m to 1000km
• Active tectonic processes

Professor Tim Minshull

• Continental breakup and the onset of seafloor spreading
• Methane hydrate beneath the seafloor and its role in the Earth system
• Exploration geophysics: seismic and electromagnetic imaging

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent , in one of these subjects:

• geology
• geophysics

Fees and funding

INSPIRE studentships are funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC, part of UK Research and Innovation, UKRI). The stipend is in line with UKRI standard levels, including the recent cost of living increase.

All studentships are fully funded for 3.5 years.

How to apply

To make an application, visit the how to apply section of the INSPIRE website .

Contact us

For questions about the project, contact Professor Lisa Mcneill.

Email: lcmn@soton.ac.uk

For questions about the application process, contact the graduate school office.

Email: gsnocs@soton.ac.uk

Research areas