Research
Introduction
The dynamic geology of the South Island of New Zealand is regarded with fascination by earth scientists the world over. Teaching and Research carried out by staff and students in the Geology Department at the University of Otago in Dunedin emphasises process-related research tied to the fast tempo of 'active' earth science in the South Island, and to the evolution of our unique New Zealand biota.
New Zealand is a very active country geologically and is a magnificent natural laboratory in which to carry out geological research. The land is a battlefield between the tectonic forces which drive earth deformation, volcanism, and uplift, and the forces of erosion, mass wasting and sediment transport which continually recycle earth materials. By studying active processes we can learn a great deal not only about the present environment, but also about processes responsible for generating mineral and energy resources in the geological past. We can maximise the return to this latter objective by combining our research on active processes with selected studies of older terranes.
Areas of research expertise
Research in the Department of Geology is broad in its scope but has some definite specialities driven by our geological setting and the research strengths and interests of our academic staff. Areas of research that are particularly active are:
- geochemistry
(including isotopes, trace element, igneous, metamorphic and environmental geochemistry, gold), - environmental geology
(including palaeoclimatology, metals in the environment, ecological restoration, biogeochemical cycles, radiogenic isotopes, palaeoceanography), - structural geology
(including neotectonics, plate boundary deformation, seismology, controls on mineralisation, gold mineralisation) plus - volcanology and plutonism
(including hydrovolcanism, sedimentary response, timescales).
Research facilities
The research facilities available in the department cover a wide range of areas including geochemical analysis ( XRD, XRF, microprobe), geophysics, marine geology, mineralogy and petrology, paleomagnetism, paleontology, structural geology plus a museum. More information is available via our research facilities page.
Examples of our research
- Metals in the environment: arsenic, antimony, mercury, and more, including acid mine drainage
- Biogeochemical cycles, radiogenic isotope and trace element geochemistry
- Paleoceanography, palaeoclimatology, Antarctic ice record, and more
- Mine Restoration of an active gold mine and a closed coal mine including ecological restoration
- Gold: Otago gold, origins ( epithermal, mesothermal), gold cycle, Macraes mine
- Impact of volcanic eruptions on the environment: landslides, drainage disruption, resedimentation, pyroclastic deposits and more
- Biogeochemical cycles, radiogenic isotope and trace element geochemistry
- Sutton Salt Lake, Otago
- Paleoceanography, palaeoclimatology, Antarctic ice record, and more
- Volcanism in the Otago area and the Taupo Volcanic Zone
- Southern Victoria Land, Antarctica (Students: Hood Hills, Lockett, McClintock, Ross, Martin)
- South African Volcanism
More information
If you would like more information about our research please contact the staff member or student who is involved in your area of interest. A list of our publications is available. If you are thinking of coming to study here please start at the information for prospective students part of our website and also be sure to check for any funding opportunities that may be available. Our contact details are given on a separate page, please feel free to contact us for further information.