Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES)

Profile

General Information

I am a structural geologist with a long time interest in the development of computer applications in all aspects of the geosciences. I’m Programme Manager for Geosciences, looking after admissions to and management of the Geology, Earth Sciences and Palaeobiology degree pathways. I’m interested in the geometry and development of faults and shear zones and their associated folds and in the development of tectonic structures in pre-lithification sediments.

Teaching 

I’m unit coordinator for and teach on 

• Level 1: Geoscience Toolbox (BGS140)
• Level 1: Geological Data Analysis (1GS142 and 2GS143)
• Level 2: Geophysics and Data Analysis (1GS265)
• Level 2: Structural Geology (2GS201)
• Level 2: Professional Skills for Geoscientists (BGS236)
• Level 3: Magmatism and Tectonics (2GS374)
• Level 3: Remote Sensing and Geoscience Information Systems (BGS375)
• Level 3: Geoscience Project (BGS331)

I also contribute to

• Level 1: Planet Earth (1GS141)
• Level 3: Geodynamics (BGS370)

Career

• 1996 – present: Principal Lecturer, University of Portsmouth
• 1983 – 1996: Senior Lecturer, University of Portsmouth
• 1979 – 1983: Lecturer, Portsmouth Polytechnic
• 1977 – 1978: Part-time Lecturer, University of Newcastle
• 1975 – present: Associate Lecturer and Consultant, The Open University
• 1975 – 1979: Research Technician, University of Leeds
• 1973 – 1975: PhD research, University of Leeds
• 1972 – 1973: MSc Structural Geology and Rock Mechanics, Imperial College, London
• 1971 – 1972: Mine Geologist, National Coal Board
• 1967 – 1970: BSc(Hons) Geology, University of Leicester

Professional Record 

• Fellow of the Geological Society of London
• Chartered Geologist
• Member of Editorial Board, Computers and Geosciences (2002-2006)
• Secretary, Tectonic Studies Group. (1985-1988)
• Committee Member, Tectonic Studies Group (1984-1989)
• External Examiner for PhD’s at University of Swansea, University College, Cork, University of Southampton, University of Plymouth and Imperial College, London.

Research 

My research interests in structural geology have ranged from establishing the early tectonic history of the Bude Formation in North Cornwall, through investigating the development of cleavage in Permian mudrocks in the Swiss Alps, the small-scale mapping of structures associated with plate margin deformation in eastern Taiwan, to the geometry of gold-hosting shear zones in the Proterozoic of West Africa.

In the area of computer applications I’ve been involved in the development of statistical techniques for palaeontologists, databases for palaeontological and structural orientation data and the application of GIS and surface modelling techniques to fold geometries.

I've recently been working with geologists and computer and communication specialists from the Open University exploring the use of local wireless networks and video streaming to support fieldwork for students with restricted mobility.

Recent Publications 

• 2001. Mountain Building. (with N R W Harris). S339 Understanding the Continents, Block 4. pp 165. Open University Press.
• 2001. Block 4 Workbook (with N R W Harris). S339 Understanding the Continents. pp 43. Open University Press.
• 2001. Structures Exposed (with N R W Harris) BBC/Open University video cassette VC1147.