Prof. Peter Betts - Honours Projects

Geophysical interpretation and modelling of the Eastern margin of the Vandieland microcontinent

Supervisor: Peter Betts
Field of Study: Integrated study of regional aeromagnetic, gravity data and seismic reflection data 
Support Offered: This is a lab-based project/s (due to COVID19).  Software to undertake the research.
Collaborating Organisation: None
Preferred Program: BSC (Hons)
The Vandieland microcontinent is embedded into the Lachlan Orogen. It collided with the eastern margin of Australia during the Late Ordovician-Early Silurian. This collision is interpreted to have developed a large orocline behind the microcontinent. This project is aimed at assessing the geometry of the boundary between the orocline and the microcontinent to constrain the processes of contested subduction. The main methods to be used include interpretation of aeromagnetic and gravity data.  Regional seismic reflection data will also be used if available.
At the end of the project, it is anticipated that you will be skilled in the structural analysis of regional geophysical data, have gained confidence dealing with ambiguous and complex data, competence in the use of geophysical processing software and Geographic information system software, and excellent project and time management skills.
Projects can be modified to suit students interests and passions.

For further information contact Peter Betts

Structural interpretations and implications for mineralisation Mount Isa South, QLD (1 project)

Supervisor: Peter Betts, Robin Armit
Field of Study: Structural geology, applied geophysics, exploration geochemistry, economic geology
Support Offered: All costs covered by industry funder 
Collaborating Organisation: Anglo American
Preferred Program: Combined field work, mapping (pit or field), drill core logging, and geophysical or geochemical analysis.

For further information contact: Peter Betts

United granites of Victoria

Supervisor(s): Sandy Cruden; Peter Betts; Robin Armit; Laurent Ailleres
Field of study: Structural geology, applied geophysics
Projects available: Up to 2 projects available

The granites of Victoria are famous for past research on their petrology and geochemistry, which contributed to defining the I- and S-classification. Despite this, much less is known about the 3D geometry of individual intrusions, their emplacement mechanisms and how they relate to the different tectonic phases of the Lachlan fold belt. Several projects are available to “take apart” selected granite plutons in Victoria using a variety of structural and geophysical techniques, including measurements of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS), gravity surveys and modelling, interpretation of aeromagnetic data, and structural analysis of pluton-wall rock relationships.

Mount Buffalo Granite

For further information, contact: Sandy Cruden