Research Projects Experimental Tectonics: Localization of Deformation and Magmatism in Continental Crust
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Discovery Grant
Total Funding (2008-2013): $200,000
CI. A.R. Cruden
Both deformation and magmatic activity are strongly localized in all tectonic settings and at all scales. My research program over the next five years will focus on the nature and physical controls on such localization. The characteristics of localized deformation and intrusive igneous activity in a variety of tectonic settings will be determined by a combination of field and geophysical observations and geochronology. The physical mechanisms and controls on localization will be investigated by a program of three-dimensional physical modeling, using a recently established experimental tectonics laboratory, complemented by two-dimensional numerical experiments. Efforts will be focused on the following sub-projects to be carried out by up to 4 post-graduate students per year and one post doctoral fellow.
1. Localization of deformation and plutonic activity in continental magmatic arcs.
2. Erosion as an agent of localization in orogenic belts.
3. Crustal-scale models of shear zone localization in wide, hot orogens.
4. Localization and growth of evaporate structures.
Structure and Emplacement of the Voisey's Bay Intrusion and its Ni-Cu-Co mineralisation
Vale Newfoundland and Labrador
Total Funding (2009-2011): $50,000
CI. A.R. Cruden
This research will refine understanding of the three-dimensional structural geology of the Voisey’s Bay intrusion and develop models for the mechanism of emplacement of both the silicate magmas and sulfide liquids of the system. A key objective is to generate predictions on extensions of know mineralization within the deposit and to improve understanding of the lateral and subsurface extents of the Voisey's Bay magmatic system. The proposed research will involve the collection of structural data at Voisey’s bay, compilation/refinement of a 3D GoCad model of the system and a program of analogue experiments that will test hypotheses for the structural development of the system and forcing mechanisms for the transport of dense sulfide liquids.
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