Ryan Podmore

Biography

I graduated from Keele University in 2023 with a First-Class Honours Degree in Geology With Physical Geography. In this time, I completed my undergraduate mapping dissertation in northern England which was awarded the Exley Prize. Throughout my undergraduate degree I developed a keen interest in many ranging branches of geology with a specific focus on structural geology.
I am now studying my MPhil in Earth Science research at Keele University under the supervision of Dr Stuart Clarke and Dr Alexander Graham Leslie (BGS) as part of the Basin Dynamics Research Group (BDRG). My research entails studying the structural and mineralogical features of the North Pennines in order to develop a stress-based kinematic solution to the formation and structure of the Alston Block and its subsequent ore deposits.

Research and scholarship

Title: Structural reconstruction: A kinematic stress solution to the tectonics of northern England, with insight into subsequent fluid flows and sedimentology.

Fault and fold kinematics are key controls in basin formation and are often a function of active regional tectonics demonstrated at the time. These tectonics result in fault/fracture networks which are a common denominator in determining basin development, sedimentary fill, and mineralisation. Despite this, they are commonly misunderstood and often lead to an over-simplified analysis of a region’s tectonic development. Accurate analysis of these networks and their control on fluid flow proves vital in understanding and sustainably accessing sub-surface planetary resources.

The structural geology of northern England is a primary example of such kinematics. Overprinting tectonic phases from an undefined geological history has led to the formation of a complex fault/fracture network acting as the principal control on fluid migration, mineralisation, and sedimentary basin development. An understanding of these controls proves crucial for the structural and mineralogical development of structurally complex regions, understanding the role of structural geology in basin formation and advancing the sustainability of sub-surface resources.

With the use of fieldwork and computer-based datasets this project will:
1. Analyse the structural evolution of northern England’s fault/fracture network.
2. Devise a kinematic stress solution to the formation of the region.
3. Provide insight into sedimentary facies and fluid flow dynamics as a function of northern England’s evolution.
4. Give application of the study for sustainable resource extraction.

School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
William Smith Building
Keele University
Staffordshire
ST5 5BG

Tel: +44 (0) 1782 733615
School email: gge@keele.ac.uk

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