Overview
Our research group combines field studies with microscopic and geochemical methods to understand the geological processes that have helped shape Earth.
Our interests stretch from seismic tremor to the tectonics of Zealandia; from environmental geochemistry to mantle geochemistry; from experimental petrology to stable and radiogenic isotopic analysis of single crystals.
Our people
Professor James Scott, SERP Co-leader
My research interests include Earth's interior, metamorphism and mineralisation of the crust, and element mobility in the geosphere.
James Scott's profile with recent publications
Email james.scott@otago.ac.nz
Postgraduate research opportunities
Contact James or Steve directly if you are a postgraduate interested in joining our research group. We are looking for motivated students to work in research strands at all levels.
Possible funding support for your research
PhD students will need to secure a University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship:
University of Otago Scholarship database
MSc students may be able to secure funding here:
University of Otago Coursework Master's Scholarship
400-level students working on mineralization projects may be able to get funding here:
Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy scholarships
See also our scholarships, prizes and postgraduate support page:
Department of Geology's Scholarships, prizes and postgraduate support
Fieldwork
Watching the sun set on the fault contact between the Caples Terrane and Dun Mountain Ophiolite Belt in the Olivine Wilderness Area in the Southern Alps.
Related publications:
- Fluid overpressure from chemical reactions in serpentinite within the source region of deep episodic tremor
- The internal structure and composition of a plate-boundary-scale serpentinite shear zone: the Livingstone Fault, New Zealand
- Element and Sr–O isotope redistribution across a plate boundary-scale crustal serpentinite mélange shear zone, and implications for the slab-mantle interface
Measuring the conductivity of wetlands as a measure of sulphate contamination.
Related page:
Examining alteration around a peridotite-bearing lamprophyre dike intruding Alpine Schist in Mt Aspiring National Park.
Related publication:
Students at base camp for a scheelite-sampling trip in the Southern Alps.
Our work on the Sub-Antarctic Islands has involved access via RV Tiama.
Related publications:
- The Sub-Antarctic Antipodes Volcano: A < 0.5 Ma HIMU-like Surtseyan volcanic outpost on the edge of the Campbell Plateau, New Zealand
- Geology and geochronology of the Sub-Antarctic Snares Islands/Tini Heke, New Zealand
- Geology of New Zealand's Sub-Antarctic Islands
Lab analysis images
A scanning electron microscope element map of the Auckland Meteorite shows the different minerals present. A barred chondrule occurs in the lower left.
A combination of element mapping and backscattered electron imaging have allowed determination of heavy minerals in Westland beach sands.
Related publications:
- Occurrence, geochemistry and provenance of REE-bearing minerals in marine placers on the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand
- Garnet Compositions Track Longshore Migration of Beach Placers in Western New Zealand
Cross polarized light image of an antigorite clast enclosed in lizardite. The inset shows the distinction in serpentinite types by Raman.
Related publications:
- Fluid overpressure from chemical reactions in serpentinite within the source region of deep episodic tremor
- The internal structure and composition of a plate-boundary-scale serpentinite shear zone: the Livingstone Fault, New Zealand
UV light enables scheelite to be distinguished in quartz veins. This rock comes from the historic Glenorchy Scheelite mines.
Related publication: