Structural Geology Laboratory - SGL
- Analogue model facilities: sandboxes etc
- Specialised and more generic analytical software: ArcGIS, FLACv3.4, FLAC3Dv2.0&2.1, Move, Kingdom Suite, Elle microstructural simulation software, Matlab
- Slide and flatbed scanners
- Photomicrography equipment and facilities to perform computer-integrated polarisation microscopic analysis (CIP) of c-axis orientation distributions in uniaxial minerals
- Image analysis facilities
- Aerial photography analysis equipment
Our Structural Geology Laboratory (SGL) and wider Structural Geology and Tectonics Research Group provides facilities and a collaborative environment to promote teaching, learning and research in structural geology and associated disciplines.
The facilities are designed to allow application and testing of concepts developed in Structural Analysis of Deformed Rocks GEOL 351 , Advanced Field Studies GEOL 344, Tectonics GEOL 271, Tectonics GEOL 371, Faulting and Fluid Flow GEOL 423, Crustal Mechanics GEOL 430, Sedimentary Basin Analysis GEOL421, and Geophysics of the Earth GEOL261, Geophysics of the Earth GEOL361, Applied Geophysics GEOL 431. SGL assists students in their undergraduate and graduate research projects. Some projects, along with links to more information, are listed on our students page.
Interpretation of New Zealand’s active tectonic structures in multiple dimensions is facilitated by integrating use of GIS software, aerial photographic analysis, and field data. These datasets allow us to determine deformation histories and therefore infer tectonic histories, and to assess the hazard potential of structures. The research forms a key part of the Active Earth Processes research theme at Otago, and is closely aligned to studies of active earth deformation undertaken within the Surveying Department.
SGL includes state-of-the-art software, Kingdom Suite and Move software, used in research centres and industry worldwide that specifically addresses: maintenance and manipulation of large databases, construction and validation of structural interpretations in maps and cross sections. These powerful tools for analysis, interpretation and presentation of subsurface data and are integrated with the seismic processing facilities available at the University of Otago.
FLAC applications, Elle, and Matlab are routinely used by structural geology students to validate structural and microstructural theories. These theories commonly arise from observational datasets obtained using microscopic techniques and image analysis – both of which are growing strengths in the research group.
Staff involved in Structural Geology Research at Otago include: Alan Cooper, Andrew Gorman, Richard Norris, Rick Sibson and Virginia Toy
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The Alpine Fault and the Southern Alps in the South Island |
