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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

James Scott imageMy 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

Caples Terrane fault contact with Dun Mountain image
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:

Geological wetlands testing image
Measuring the conductivity of wetlands as a measure of sulphate contamination.

Related page:

Lamprophyre dike intruding Alpine Schist image
Examining alteration around a peridotite-bearing lamprophyre dike intruding Alpine Schist in Mt Aspiring National Park.

Related publication:

Base camp in the Southern Alps image
Students at base camp for a scheelite-sampling trip in the Southern Alps.

RV Tiama in the Sub-Antartic image
Our work on the Sub-Antarctic Islands has involved access via RV Tiama.

Related publications:

Lab analysis images

Auckland meteorite mineral map image
A scanning electron microscope element map of the Auckland Meteorite shows the different minerals present. A barred chondrule occurs in the lower left.

Heavy minerals in Westland beach sands image
A combination of element mapping and backscattered electron imaging have allowed determination of heavy minerals in Westland beach sands.

Related publications:

Antigorite clast enclosed in lizardite image
Cross polarized light image of an antigorite clast enclosed in lizardite. The inset shows the distinction in serpentinite types by Raman.

Related publications:

Glenorchy sheelite under UV light image
UV light enables scheelite to be distinguished in quartz veins. This rock comes from the historic Glenorchy Scheelite mines.

Related publication:

Related topics

Economic Geology

Environmental Geology

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