Biography
I first came to Keele in 1981 as an undergraduate student studying Geography and Geology. The Dual Honours system at Keele provided an ideal opportunity to develop my interests in both of these geoscience subjects. In 1985, I progressed to a PhD entitled ‘Rheological, Thermal and Isostatic Constraints on Continental Lithosphere Extension and Compression’ supervised by Professor Nick Kusznir at the University of Liverpool.
It was through this project that I developed research interests in the numerical and computer modelling of geological processes; a theme that dominates my research activities to the present day. After a brief spell in the IT industry, I was appointed as a lecturer in Geology at Keele in 1989 and since then have taught a broad range of class and field- based geoscience courses from Foundation Year to Masters level.
Research and scholarship
My main research area is the numerical and computer modelling of continental lithosphere extension and shortening, with emphasis on investigating the mechanisms that cause subsidence and uplift in sedimentary basin and mountain belt settings. This research area enables me to combine interests in geology and computing, and, at the same time, it has provided travel opportunities to many parts of the world in order to carry out field work.
I have developed two- and three-dimensional numerical models, which include a number of geological and geodynamic processes, in order to simulate the evolution of mountain belts and basin structures within a variety of tectonic regimes. These modelling techniques, combined with study of subsurface and field data, have provided new insights into the mechanisms that have contributed to the geological evolution of a number of case studies within the geological record, including the northern North Sea, the Laramide Province (Wyoming, western USA), the Black Sea and South Caspian Basin.
I am a member of the Basin Dynamics Research Group and I am a Fellow of the Geological Society of London and hold both Chartered Geologist and European Geologist status.
Teaching
Year 1:
- ESC-10034: Geology: Time and Space
- ESC-10045: Introductory Geology for Environmental Scientists
- ESC-10047: Geoscience Data Interpretation, Analysis and Visualisation (Module Coordinator)
- ESC-10048: The Earth System (Module Coordinator)
Year 2:
- ESC-20036: Palaeoclimatology and Quaternary Studies (Module Coordinator)
- ESC-20039: Advanced Structural Geology and Geological Mapping Training
Year 3:
- ESC-30008: Structure and Geodynamics (Module Coordinator)
- ESC-30039: Independent Field Project
- ESC-30028: Economic Geology
- ESC-30032: Geoscience Independent Field Project
Year 4 (MGeoscience):
- ESC-40003: Literature Synthesis and Presentation Skills (Module Coordinator)
- ESC-40004/5/6: MGeoscience Research Project
Selected Publications
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Thermal and Economic Analysis of Heat Exchangers as Part of a Geothermal District Heating Scheme in the Cheshire Basin, UK. ENERGIES, Article ARTN 1983, vol. 15(6). link> doi> full text>2022.
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A sensitivity analysis of a single extraction well from deep geothermal aquifers in the Cheshire Basin, UK. QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY, Article ARTN qjegh2021-131, vol. 55(3). link> doi> full text>2022.
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'Block and basin' style rift basins: sedimentological insights from the Mississippian Fell Sandstone Formation. JOURNAL OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, vol. 179(4). link> doi> full text>2022.
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Numerical modelling of deep coaxial borehole heat exchangers in the Cheshire Basin, UK. COMPUTERS & GEOSCIENCES, Article ARTN 104752, vol. 152. link> doi> full text>2021.
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Deep geothermal energy in northern England: Insights from 3D finite difference temperature modelling. COMPUTERS & GEOSCIENCES, Article ARTN 104661, vol. 147. link> doi> full text>2021.
Full Publications Listshow
Journal Articles
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Thermal and Economic Analysis of Heat Exchangers as Part of a Geothermal District Heating Scheme in the Cheshire Basin, UK. ENERGIES, Article ARTN 1983, vol. 15(6). link> doi> full text>2022.
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A sensitivity analysis of a single extraction well from deep geothermal aquifers in the Cheshire Basin, UK. QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY, Article ARTN qjegh2021-131, vol. 55(3). link> doi> full text>2022.
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'Block and basin' style rift basins: sedimentological insights from the Mississippian Fell Sandstone Formation. JOURNAL OF THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, vol. 179(4). link> doi> full text>2022.
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Numerical modelling of deep coaxial borehole heat exchangers in the Cheshire Basin, UK. COMPUTERS & GEOSCIENCES, Article ARTN 104752, vol. 152. link> doi> full text>2021.
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Deep geothermal energy in northern England: Insights from 3D finite difference temperature modelling. COMPUTERS & GEOSCIENCES, Article ARTN 104661, vol. 147. link> doi> full text>2021.
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Seismic and borehole-based mapping of the late Carboniferous succession in the Canonbie Coalfield, SW Scotland: evidence for a 'broken' Variscan foreland?. SCOTTISH JOURNAL OF GEOLOGY, Article ARTN sjg2020-007, vol. 57(1). link> doi> full text>2021.
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epurposing Britain’s Coal Measures: insights from seismic and borehole-based mapping, and geothermal modelling. doi> full text>2020.
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The influence of low-density granite bodies on extensional basins. Geology Today, 22-26, vol. 36(1). doi> link> full text>2020.
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Structural and geodynamic modelling of the influence of granite bodies during lithospheric extension: Application to the Carboniferous basins of northern England. TECTONOPHYSICS, 47-63, vol. 755. link> doi> full text>2019.
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Tracking Sustainability Concepts in Geology and Earth Science Teaching and Learning, Keele, University, UK. The Journal of Academic Development and Education.2018.
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Tracking Sustainability Concepts in Geology and Earth Science Teaching and Learning, Keele University, UK. The Journal of Academic Development and Education (JADE). full text>
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Geophysical surveys to help map buried igneous intrusions, Snowdonia, North Wales, UK. Geology Today, 109-115, vol. 31(3). doi> link> full text>2015.
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The geological and geodynamic evolution of the eastern Black Sea basin: insights from 2-D and 3-D tectonic modelling. Tectonophysics, 157-179, vol. 350(2). doi>2002.
- 1999.
- 1998.
- 1997.
- 1993.
- 1992.
- 1992.
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THE FORMATION OF THE JEAN DARC BASIN - GRAND-BANKS - A NUMERICAL STUDY. GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL-OXFORD, 546, vol. 92(3). link>1988.
Chapters
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Subsidence and Uplift Mechanisms Within The South Caspian Basin: Insights From The Onshore And Offshore Azerbaijan Region. In South Caspian to Central Iran Basins. Brunet M-F, Wilmsen M, Granath JW (Eds.). (vol. 312). The Geological Society. doi>2009.
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A kinematic modelling approach to lithosphere deformation and basin formation: application to the Black Sea. In Imaging, Mapping and Modelling Continental Lithosphere Extension and Breakup. Karner GD, Manatschal G, Pinheiro LM (Eds.). (vol. 282). The Geological Society.2007.
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Integrated 4D modelling of sedimentary basin architecture and hydrocarbon migration. In Analogue and numerical modelling of crustal scale processes. Butler SJH and Schreurs G (Eds.). (vol. 253). doi>2006.
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A flexural cantilever simple-shear/pure-shear model of continental lithosphere extension: application to the Jeanne d'Arc basin, Grand Banks and Viking Graben, North Sea. In The Geometry of Normal Faults. Yielding AM and Freeman B (Eds.). (vol. 56).1991.
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The obduction of the northern Oman ophiolite - crustal loading and flexure. In Ophiolite Genesis and Evolution of Oceanic Lithosphere. Peters TJ, Nicolas A, Coleman RG (Eds.).1991.
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The rheological strength of the lithosphere following extensional and compressional tectonics. In Computer Modelling in the Environmental Sciences. Farmer DG and Rycroft MJ (Eds.). Oxford University Press.1991.
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Simple-Shear and Pure-Shear Models of Extensional Sedimentary Basin Formation: Application to the Jeanne D'Arc Basin, Grand Banks of Newfoundland. In Sedimentary Basins and Basin Forming Mechanisms. Tankard AJ and Balkwill HR (Eds.). (vol. 46).1989.
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Geometric, thermal, and isostatic consequences of detachments in continental lithosphere extension and basin formation. In Sedimentary Basins and Basin Forming Mechanisms. Beaumont C and Tankard AJ (Eds.). (vol. 12).1987.
Other
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Modelling low-enthalpy deep geothermal reservoirs in the Cheshire Basin,UK as a future renewable energy source. Geophysical Research Abstracts, V. 21, EGU2019-5078. full text>
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Modelling low-enthalpy deep geothermal reservoirs in the Cheshire Basin,UK as a future renewable energy source. Geophysical Research Abstracts, V. 21, EGU2019-5078. full text>
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The influence of granite bodies on extensional basins: insights from structural, geodynamic and thermal modelling. Geophysical Research Abstracts, V. 21, EGU2019-7863. full text>
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The influence of granite bodies on extensional basins: insights from structural, geodynamic and thermal modelling. Geophysical Research Abstracts, V. 21, EGU2019-7863. full text>
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Evaluating the Response of Geothermal Reservoirs in the Cheshire Basin: A Parameter Sensitivity Analysis.
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Evaluating the Response of Geothermal Reservoirs in the Cheshire Basin: A Parameter Sensitivity Analysis.
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Quantitative Subsidence Analysis of the Southeast of the Mesopotamian Basin, Southeastern Iraq: Implications for Basin Evolution Since the Middle Jurassic Period. AAPG. full text>
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Quantitative Subsidence Analysis of the Southeast of the Mesopotamian Basin, Southeastern Iraq: Implications for Basin Evolution Since the Middle Jurassic Period. AAPG. full text>
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Structural and Geodynamic Modeling of the Influence of Granite Bodies During Lithospheric Extension: Application to the Carboniferous Basins of Northern England. AAPG. full text>
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Structural and Geodynamic Modeling of the Influence of Granite Bodies During Lithospheric Extension: Application to the Carboniferous Basins of Northern England. AAPG. full text>
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Controls on Sedimentary Fill in Salt-Walled Mini-Basins of the Triassic and Jurassic, Melville Basin, Western Approaches, United Kingdom. full text>
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Controls on Sedimentary Fill in Salt-Walled Mini-Basins of the Triassic and Jurassic, Melville Basin, Western Approaches, United Kingdom. full text>
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The Influence of “Cimmerian” Exhumation on the Hydrocarbon Potential of the Southwest Approaches, Offshore NW Europe. full text>
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The Influence of “Cimmerian” Exhumation on the Hydrocarbon Potential of the Southwest Approaches, Offshore NW Europe. full text>
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Evolution of the Eastern Greater Caucasus: Proxy for the South Caspian Basin?. Geophysical Research Abstracts.2007.
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Subsidence and uplift mechanisms within the South Caspian Basin: Insights from the onshore and offshore Azerbaijan region.2007.
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Tectonics of the Greater Caucasus (Azerbaijan): A proxy to the North South Caspian basin.2007.
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Subsidence mechanisms within the South Caspian Basin (N° 02-09): Year 3 Report.2006.
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The Eastern Greater Caucasus – A repeatedly inverted passive margin. Geophysical Research Abstracts.2006.
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Subsidence mechanisms within the South Caspian Basin (N° 02-09): Year 2 Report.2004.
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2-D and 3-D geodynamic modelling - applications to the Eastern Black Sea (kinematic, thermal and rheological). Geophysical Research Abstracts..2003.
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A comparison contrast of the geological and geodynamic evolution of the Black and Caspian Seas from Mesozoic to recent. Geophysical Research Abstracts..2003.
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Subsidence mechanisms within the South Caspian Basin (N° 02-09): Year 1 Report.2003.
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2-D and 3-D geodynamic modelling - application to the eastern Black Sea. Fourth International Turkish Geology Symposium Abstracts..2001.
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Numerical modeling of the subsidencemechanisms controlling the evolution of the Black and Caspian Seas. Journal of Conference Abstracts, Volume 6..2001.
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Oligo-Miocene basins of south-central Turkey: synthesis and appraisal. Fourth International Turkish Geology Symposium (ITGS, IV, Abstracts)..2001.
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The geological and geodynamic evolution of the Turkish and central regions of the Black Sea basin. Fourth International Turkish Geology Symposium, Abstracts..2001.
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A Numerical Orogenic Model of South-East Thetis Region. Proceedings of the Lunar Planetary Science Conference (p. 1594, vol. 31).2000.
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A Numerical Rift Model of Diana Chasma. Proceedings of the Lunar Planetary Science Conference (p. 1584, vol. 31).2000.
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Integrated structural, sequence stratigraphic and geodynamic modelling of the western Black Sea: Early Mesozoic to Recent. Geo-Eco-Marina.1998.
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Structural, sequence stratigraphic and geodynamic modelling of the western Black Sea: Early Mesozoic to Recent.1998.
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Three dimensional stratigraphic and burial history modelling.1998.
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New Techniques for the 3-D Modelling of Structural and Isostatic Processes Occurring During Continental Tectonics. Terra Nova.1997.
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Numerical modelling of burial history in three dimensions. Terra Nova.1997.
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Three-Dimensional Modelling And Visualisation In Structural Geology: New Techniques For The Restoration And Balancing Of Volumes. Proceedings of the 1996 Geoscience Information Group Conference on Geological Visualisation - the intelligent picture? (pp. 67-82, vol. 1). Electronic Geology.1997.
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Integrated structural and geodynamic modelling of the Ninian fault block, northern North Sea.1996.
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An integrated structural, metamorphic and geodynamic model of orogenic collapse. TERRA Nova.1995.
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The causes of orogenic collapse: the role of phase changes and lithosphere flexure. The JAG Newsletter.1994.
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Three dimensional modelling of flexural isostatic adjustments and associated gravity anomalies in response to crustal fault movements. The JAG Newsletter.1994.
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The role of flexural isostasy in extensional sedimentary basin formation. The Petroleum Science and Technology Institute.1992.
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Numerical modelling of lithosphere shortening: Application to Laramide Orogenic Province, Western USA. Geophysical Journal International.1991.
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The rheological strength of the lithosphere following compressional tectonics. Geophysical Journal International.1990.
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Determination of flexural rigidity and fault geometry during extensional basin formation. Journal of the Royal Atronomical Society.1989.
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Thermo-rheological implications of simple shear-pure shear lithosphere extension. Geophysical Journal of the Royal Atronomical Society.1989.
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Fault Block Rotation During Continental Lithosphere Extension: A Flexural Cantilever Model. Geophysical Journal of the Royal Atronomical Society.1988.
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The Formation of the Jeanne D'Arc Basin - Grand Banks: A Numerical Study. Geophysical Journal of the Royal Atronomical Society.1988.
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Numerical models of continental extension using low angle faults and detachments. Geophysical Journal of the Royal Atronomical Society.1987.
PGR/PGT Students
Current PhD students
L. Al-Madhachi. PhD Thesis title: The Cretaceous reservoir evolution of the south east Mesopotamian Basin, south-eastern: Geological Modelling evaluation.
Stuart Campbell. PhD Title: Unconventional and geothermal energy resources within the Main Karoo Basin, South Africa
Louis Howell. PhD Thesis title: Structural, stratigraphic and geodynamic controls on the evolution of the Carboniferous succession of northern England and southern Scotland.
Past PhD students
Linda Austin. 2014. The geological and geodynamic evolution of the Northumberland Trough Region: insights from numerical modelling. Unpublished PhD Thesis, Keele University.
Rose Smithells. 2014. A comparison of the geological, geodynamic and rheological evolution of the northern and southern Rockall Trough : a numerical modelling approach. Unpublished PhD Thesis, Keele University.
PGT Students
Liam Hartley. 2017. Using LiDAR data for geological mapping and outcrop analysis: application to the Watchet area, SW England. Unpublished MSc Thesis, Keele University.
Rob Stewart. 2016. 2D structural, isostatic, thermal and stratigraphic modelling of lithosphere extension: insights into the mechanisms controlling basin subsidence/uplift and magma generation. Unpublished MSc Thesis, Keele University.
Ross Field. 2015. Numerical modelling of lithosphere extension: Its application to the North-East Atlantic Region. Unpublished MSc Thesis, Keele University.
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
William Smith Building
Keele University
Staffordshire
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Tel: +44 (0) 1782 733615
School email: gge@keele.ac.uk