Current Students
KELSEY KROSSA
Ph.D. Candidate
PT RESEARCH GROUP
- (778) 782-7202
- kelsey_krossa@sfu.ca
- Supervisor: D. Gibson
AREAS OF INTEREST
Tectonometamorphic evolution of the Uvauk complex and its tectonic affinity with Chesterfield Inlet complexes
I will be characterizing the the tectonic setting of the Uvauk Complex through updated field mapping, petrography, petrology, geochronology, geochemistry, and petrological modelling. This will enable me to identify the mechanism(s) that produced the vertical structures in the Uvauk complex as well as the shared structures of the Chesterfield Inlet complexes. I will also be interrogating the tectonic process that produced the high-pressure complexes. I will then be able to assess if the similarities across the Chesterfield Inlet complexes resulted from a shared tectonic process (i.e. have a connected/unified origination). Another objective will be to identify “modern” occurrences of similar high-pressure complexes and compare the similarities and/or differences in mechanisms that produce modern versus ancient high-pressure complexes.
GABY JONES
Ph.D. Candidate
PT RESEARCH GROUP
- (778) 782-7202
- gaby_jones@sfu.ca
- Supervisor: D. Gibson
AREAS OF INTEREST
Structural geology, geochemistry, and tectonic history of serpentinites in the Bridge River and Cache Creek terranes, southwestern British Columbia
Serpentinite (hydrated ultramafics) rocks occur in the areas around East Harrison Lake, Hope, and Lillooet, British Columbia. These serpentine belts hold potential to sequester carbon dioxide into magnesium carbonate minerals, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This project will provide the geologic background for ongoing and future carbon sequestration studies, with a focus on the structural geology, geochemistry, and tectonic history of the serpentinites and surrounding rocks.
MARIA CARTER
M.Sc. Candidate
PT RESEARCH GROUP
- (778) 782-7202
- maria_carter@sfu.ca
- Supervisor: D. Gibson
AREAS OF INTEREST
Structural Analysis and Timing Constraints of Gold Deposits in the Tombstone Strain Zone, YK, Canada
The Mt. Hinton property found within Tombstone Strain Zone contains structurally-hosted gold veins that do not adhere to the deposit models of the surrounding regional area. Deformation within the property between the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous likely facilitated fluid movement that precipitated along formed deformation structures. My research will focus on conducting a detailed structural analysis of the area and determining the relationship between structures and mineralization to form a more constrained deposit model of the area. Methods such as structural mapping, geochronology, and dynamic recrystallization will be used to complete this project.
MATT SAYLES
M.Sc. Candidate
PT RESEARCH GROUP
- (778) 782-7202
- msayles@sfu.ca
- Supervisor: D. Gibson
AREAS OF INTEREST
The tectonic development of the Snowbird Tectonic Zone, Ennadai-Angikuni Lake region, Nunavut Territory
The Snowbird Tectonic Zone is a large linear structure which spans >1000 km through the central Canadian Shield, separating the two Archean domains known as the Rae and Hearne cratons. My research will focus on areas proximal to the Snowbird tectonic zone, including the Angikuni and Ennadai Lake regions of Nunavut Territory. My research will range from field mapping, structural measurements, and rock sampling/descriptions while on site to microstructural, geochronological, and metamorphic analyses. These methods will provide crucial information for characterising the metamorphic, deformational, and tectonic history of the Snowbird Tectonic Zone.
ERIC SCHMIDTKE
Ph.D. Candidate
PT RESEARCH GROUP
- (778) 782-7202
- eas15@sfu.ca
- Supervisor: D. Gibson
AREAS OF INTEREST
The tectonic development of the Shuswap metamorphic core complex
I am attempting to utilize field mapping and isotopic age dating of faults, together with syntectonic stratigraphy to better constrain the tectonic evolution of the Shuswap metamorphic core complex, the largest of its kind in the world.
Recently graduated
WILL MCKENZIE
Ph.D.
PT RESEARCH GROUP
- (778) 782-4069
- wmckenzi@sfu.ca
- Supervisor: D. Gibson / B. Dyck
AREAS OF INTEREST
Metamorphic, structural and geochronological investigation the enigmatic Jura-Cretaceous basins of the Northern Canadian Cordillera.
The goal of my research is to use new state-of-the-art metamorphic modelling and geochemical techniques, along with bedrock mapping and structural analysis, to unravelling the hotly debated topic regarding the tectonic development and significance of Jura-Cretaceous basins across the Northern Canadian Cordillera. My initial work will focus on the Kluane basin in the southwest Yukon Territory, however as the project develops I aim to investigate further basinal assemblages ‘along-strike’ to the north and south. ‘Along-strike’ data will be collated to give a comprehensive account of the ‘metamorphic-tectonic’ relationships between these enigmatic Jura-Cretaceous basins and provide an integral insight into development of the Western Cordilleran margin during the Mesozoic.
REBECCA CANAM
M.Sc.
PT RESEARCH GROUP
- (778) 782-4069
- rcanam@sfu.ca
- Supervisor: D. Gibson
AREAS OF INTEREST
Structural evolution of the western margin of the South Rae craton, Northwest Territories
The tectonic evolution of the western margin of the south Rae craton in the Northwest Territories is poorly understood due to a paucity of previous geological mapping and study. However, it is a key location for determining the tectonic response of the southern Rae craton to flanking Paleoproterozoic collisions during the assembly of supercontinent Nuna. The goal of this project is to investigate the structural and thermal history of the western flank of the South Rae craton, in the Nonacho Lake area, by identifying and constraining the geometry, kinematics and timing of major structures, and documenting the exhumation history of crustal blocks. Results from this study will be used to interpret the uplift history of the western Rae craton and speculate on structural controls for the development and mineralization of the Paleoproterozoic Nonacho basin.
SARAH BOWIE
M.Sc.
PT RESEARCH GROUP
- (778) 782-4069
- sba136@sfu.ca
- Supervisor: D. Gibson
AREAS OF INTEREST
P-T-t conditions of high temperature metamorphism in the Shuswap Complex, British Columbia
The Shuswap Metamorphic Complex (SMC) in south-central BC is composed of highly deformed, deep crustal rocks representing the result of a dynamic and complex collisional tectonic environment. This project aims to quantify the pressure, temperature, and timing of metamorphism, deformation, and exhumation across a transect of the SMC located between Sicamous and Revelstoke. Results will include a synthesis of structural, petrological, and thermochronological data collected through laboratory techniques and detailed field observations. Conclusions aim to constrain models of the tectono-metamorphic evolution of this area, and allow for comparison with similar regions in the Coastal range and Northern Cordillera.
DANA SILEROVA
M.Sc.
PT RESEARCH GROUP
- (778) 782-6627
- dsa104@sfu.ca
- Supervisor: D. Gibson / B. Dyck
AREAS OF INTEREST
Constraining the timing and duration of ductile shear in the Great Slave Lake shear zone, NWT, Canada
The Great Slave Lake shear zone (GSLsz) is one of the world’s largest and best exposed extinct continental shear zones and, as such, offers a unique opportunity to study how earthquakes manifest in Earth’s ductile lower crust. Although recent research has determined pressure-temperature conditions for various zones within the GSLsz, the exact timing of metamorphism and deformation along the GSLsz remains largely unknown. This research project aims to establish the timing of the formation and subsequent development of the GSLsz relative to regional tectonic activity. This will be accomplished through a combination of fieldwork, involving detailed mapping and sample collection, and laboratory work, including radiometric dating of the accessory mineral titanite, phase equilibria modelling, and microstructural analysis.
THOMAS ASAFUAH
Ph.D.
PT RESEARCH GROUP
AREAS OF INTEREST
Seismic structure of volcanoes in the Mariana arc system
The Mariana island arc is made up of several igneous volcanoes in the Modern and Eocene arc whose seismic velocity structure in the upper crust is not well constrained though its crustal structure is well documented. Moreover, the seismic velocity structure which can constrain the lithology of mud volcanoes in the forearc is unknown. My research involves 2-D seismic tomography and imaging of reflection profiles to better constrain the upper crust of the Mariana island arc, and provide a seismic velocity framework for mud volcanoes in the forearc. Through the interpretation of their seismic structures and associated features, I investigate the formation and developments of these volcanoes.
BILL FISCHER
Ph.D.
PT RESEARCH GROUP
AREAS OF INTEREST
Ore and breccia classification of cu-ag-au tourmaline breccia pipes at the giant copper property, southern British Columbia: a comparison study with the tourmaline breccias of the Rio Blanco-los Bronces district in northern Chile.
The formation of tourmaline-bearing breccia pipes is considered rare in Canada. However, in South America tourmaline breccia pipes are quite common and contain some of the largest endowments of copper in the world. My research will investigate the similarities in mineralogy, fluids, and geochemistry between the copper-bearing breccia pipes of South America and the breccia pipes at the Giant Copper property. Results from my study will speculate if deeper and more enriched zones of copper mineralization exist on the Giant Copper property.
SAMANTHA SELLARS
M.Sc.
PT RESEARCH GROUP
AREAS OF INTEREST
Seismic reflection constraints on exhumation of the granulite Narryer Terrane in the Yilgarn Craton
My research comprises of the reprocessing of a 2-D regional seismic line shot in the Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia. Within the Yilgarn Craton, the older 3.8-2.6 Narryer terrane was thrust over the 3.1-2.6 Youanmi terrane. The mechanisms causing this tectonic problem are investigated through interpreting the re-processed 2-D seismic line, along with other existing 2-D seismic in the area.