• Faculty of Science and Engineering

    Accepting PhD Students

    Overview

    Profile summary

    My research uses multi-disciplinary analyses of the geological record to understand the tectonic evolution of Earth. In particular, I am interested in the deformation processes that control and facilitate plate tectonics from subgrain-scale to plate-scale in both marine and terrestrial settings. 

    Currently, my research focuses on the deformation and magmatic processes that control oceanic crust formation at mid-ocean ridges. This includes field-based and paleomagnetic analyses of the Oman ophiolite, and microstructural analyses of rock core drilled from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (Atlantis Massif). I have expertise in fieldwork, petrography, and structural geology, including electron microscopy, EBSD, and paleomagnetic analyses, which I combine and integrate to understand deformation processes and plate tectonics across scales.

    Previously, my research has focused on deformation processes and tectonics in continental settings, including continental collision belts (Himalaya; Norway), accretionary margins an subduction zones (Himalaya; NW Canada; SE Asia), and passive margins (East Greenland); some of these projects are still active. Additionally, I am involved in a number of collaborative projects investigating grain-scale deformation processes through experimental approaches. 

    At Plymouth, I have access to cutting edge research facilities at the Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre and the Paleomagnetism Laboratory. I am also involved in on-going marine scientific drilling research, through the International Ocean Drilling Programme (IODP), including members of the IODP Science Office located here at SoGEES.

     

     

    PROSPECTIVE RESEARCH STUDENTS

    I have a range of exciting research projects suitable for prospective PhD, ResM and MSc students, which include opportunities for fieldwork and laboratory analyses. These can be tailored to suit individual needs and interests. Interested candidates should contact me by email to discuss these opportunities further.

     

    IN THE NEWS: Rocks that originated in Earth’s mantle could reveal secrets of planet’s history

    OMAN3D PROJECT: The 3D anatomy of magma transport at fast-spreading ocean ridges


    NEW PAPERS: 
    A long section of serpentinized depleted mantle peridotite (Science) 

    Experimental Observation of a New Attenuation Mechanism in hcp Metals That May Operate in the Earth's Inner Core (GGG) 

    The geodynamic significance of UHP exhumation: New constraints from the Tso Morari Complex, NW Himalaya (Tectonics)


    External Websites:
    ResearchGate
    Google Scholar

     

    Teaching interests

    • Structural Geology
    • Geophysics
    • Field geology & mapping

     

    Supervised research degrees

    PROSPECTIVE RESEARCH STUDENTS:
    I have a range of exciting research projects suitable for prospective PhD, ResM and MSc students, which include opportunities for fieldwork and laboratory analyses. These can be tailored to suit individual needs and interests. Interested candidates should contact me by email to discuss these opportunities further.

     

    Roles on external bodies

    • Associate Editor for 'Tektonika' (2022-2023)
    • Editorial board member for ‘Geology’ (GSA – 2020 to 2023)
    • Editorial board member for ‘Frontiers in Earth Sciences’ (2021 to 2022)

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics where Andrew Parsons is active. These topic labels come from the works of this person. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
    • 1 Similar Profiles

    Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

    Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or