Numerical modelling of tectonic processes in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is a very complex tectonic region comprising up to 5 tectonic
plates, every possible type of plate boundary zone and
at least three known strain accumulation zones resulting from plate
collisions. The Geodynamics Group at the Research School of Earth Sciences
has been involved in measuring the present-day tectonic motion in Papua New
Guinea.
Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements since 1990 have
been used to derived a velocity field which describes the movement of the
major plates, while ongoing GPS observations on dense geodetic networks in
strain accumulation zones will provide additional information on the discrete
collisions at some plate boundaries.
Figure 1 shows a tectonic plate configuration
model of Papua New Guinea. Observed GPS site
velocities are plotted. Coloured regions indicate areas assigned to different
tectonic entities.
Background
The student will require a strong mathematical background with an interest in
Earth processes and numerical modelling. Since the project could involve some
GPS fieldwork and analysis, a geodetic background would be useful but is not essential.
Project Type
The project will involve synthesizing all known geologic and geodetic information
to generate numerical models for the present-day tectonic motion in Papua New Guinea.
This will involve reconciling the measured surface velocities with the topographic
landforms and tectonic features.
Last modified: 2000 August 21
pault@rses.anu.edu.au