My main research interests are;

1) Magmatic systems in sedimentary basins. This work is focused on the interactions between igneous intrusive and extrusive systems and basin structure, stratigraphy and the elements of the petroleum system, with a current focus on evaluation the potential for permanent CO2 storage in buried volcanic rocks. Current projects on this topic involve collaboration with the University of Aberdeen and University of Canterbury.

2) Structural permeability. This work is focused on understanding the intrinsic and extrinsic drivers behind fracture-hosted fluid flow in sedimentary basins, with application to both conventional hydrocarbon exploration and production and the subsurface storage of gases such as CO2 and hydrogen. Current and recent projects on this topic have been funded by the ARC, ARENA, the Geological Survey of South Australia, IMER and ASEG.

3) The evolution of Australia's 'passive' southern rifted margin. This work is focused on understanding the tectonic evolution of the southern Australian margin. This work was originally funded by an ARC Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship, and is now primarily focused on the Bight Basin. I was the lead proponent for IODP APL-897 which was incorporated into IODP Expedition 367.

4) Multiscale geomechanical modelling of basin-scale CO2 storage. In collaboration with Tech Limit, the University of Queensland, and a range of industry and government partners, we are developing new tools to enable the rapid upscaling of CCS through the identification of geomechanically stable sites for CO2 injection and storage.

5) Natural hydrogen in continental interiors. In collaboration with the Universities of Oxford and Durham, we are developing new multigeoscientific approaches to aid natural hydrogen exploration by constraining the processes that govern natural hydrogen production, transport, accumulation and preservation in continental crust.

6) Physical modelling of crustal deformation and fluid flow. Through my academic leadership of the bp-funded Adelaide Geomodelling Laboratory, we are establishing a significant new research capability in scaled physical modelling of crustal deformation and fluid flow. This will be a major hub of research activity over the next five years, accelerating Australia’s decarbonisation efforts through 2D and 3D modelling of fault and fracture systems to derisk CO₂and H₂ storage, and geothermal and mineral exploration targets.

Available PhD projects

If you are interested in working on one of the following topics, please contact me.

Reducing structural uncertainties associated with subsurface CO2 storage and natural hydrogen production using physical modelling

Scaled physical models provide powerful tools for multiscale 4D analysis of complex geological processes from the formation and evolution of fault and fracture systems to crustal-to-lithospheric scale deformation responsible for the formation of sedimentary basins and mountain belts. This project will integrate experimental results from 2D and 3D crustal deformation rigs (recorded by high-resolution digital photography and digital image correlation) with numerical modelling to help reduce structural uncertainties associated with subsurface H2 and CO2 storage in complex geological settings. Key foci of the experimental research program include: identifying secure sites for subsurface H2 and CO2 injection and storage in basins with multiphase deformation histories; constraining the role of mechanical stratigraphy in the multiscale evolution of fault and fracture systems that can influence subsurface flow; and developing new concepts for the mechanics and evolution of salt structures to inform designs of sites for underground H2 and CO2 storage.

Discovering natural hydrogen in continental interiors

Hydrogen (H2) is emerging as a vital clean energy solution, though most current production technologies are expensive or associated with high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. However, H2 can also originate from a range of geological processes, and 'natural' H2 is attracting wide interest because of its potential to provide a clean energy source that can be produced from geological formations at low cost. Exploration for commercial scale natural H2 is at an early stage, and whilst promising discoveries have been made recently in South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, the geological mechanisms behind the formation and accumulation of natural H2 are poorly understood. This project will combine innovative underground image processing with state-of-the-art laboratory techniques, to identify the key factors that drive the generation, movement and preservation of natural H2 in Earth’s crust. Our work will result in a world-first exploration framework that is needed to determine the technical and commercial viability of large-scale production of natural H2. The research will position Australia as a global leader in the strategic technological shift to net-zero emissions, providing economic and environmental benefits to Australians.

Storing carbon in buried volcanoes

This project will assess the feasibility of permanent carbon dioxide storage through carbonate mineralisation in buried volcanic rocks proximal to high CO₂ content reservoirs. The project will involve; mapping buried volcanoes using 3D seismic reflection; studying multiphase flow (including CO₂) in volcanic rocks; and field work in volcanic provinces to generate virtual outcrop models that will inform reservoir simulation.

Fault stability during CO₂ and hydrogen injection

This project will focus on the Cooper Basin and will investigate the maximum sustainable pressures related to reservoir CO₂ and hydrogen injection that will not induce seismicity. The main aims of the project include: determining contemporary, pre-injection stresses, pore pressures and rock strengths; developing 3D structural models for potential CO₂ and hydrogen storage sites; reservoir-to-basin scale numerical-geomechanical modelling; and geomechanical risking to evaluate the likelihood of induced seismicity.

The seismic and stratigraphic record of ancient Southern Ocean currents

The overarching goal of this project is to develop a deep-time record of ocean circulation using the Cenozoic sedimentary record of the southern Australian margin. The project will involve: detailed mapping of along-slope sediment drifts using high-resolution 3D seismic data from the Great Australian Bight; re-evaluation of Cenozoic strata recovered during IODP/ODP drilling; and integration with paleoceanographic modelling to evaluate hypothesis for the onset of modern bottom currents.

‘Critical gases’ in South Australia

This project will explore the geological controls on the origin and distribution of commercially important ‘critical gases’ including natural CO₂, hydrogen and helium in South Australia.