Research Interests
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- Himalayan Tectonics
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- Structural and tectonic evolution of the
Himalayan orogenic belt; Collisional/mountain building tectonic
processes and deformation histories. Relationship of small scale
structures to interpret large scale tectonic features (i.e. strain
analysis, structural petrology, metamorphic - structural relationships)
as a key, model or indicator of similar features at a larger
scale. High pressure metamorphism and its relation to indentation
tectonics and the Indian plate motion. Effects of collision on
the motion of colliding plates. Nappe deformation and deep seated
processes of collision. Different methods of shortening in the
Himalaya related to the primary plate tectonic features. Geochronological,
structural, stratigraphic and metamorphic variations along strike
of the Himalayas. Ophiolite obduction processes, metamorphism,
melting and thrust deformation in the NW Himalayas of Pakistan.
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- Modern Structural Geology analysis
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- Geometrical analysis of small scale structures:
lineations, sense of shear criteria, boudinage, folds, fold interference
and cleavage. Geometrical analysis of syntaxis formation and
their variety of methods of formation. Strain directions associated
with fold development; variation of strain across a nappe. Comparison
between internal nappes of the Himalayas.
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- Effects of deformation and subduction
on geological processes
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- Deformational, metamorphic, petrologic, geochronological
and isotopic influences of subduction on a single tectonic unit.
The Himalaya provides the only known example in the world of
one tectonic unit that can be found today to have formed at 5
different grades of metamorphism: unmetamorphosed, greenschist
facies, amphibolite facies, amphibolite-eclogite facies and eclogite
facies metamorphism. This has only recently been recognised and
has enormous potential for the study of geological processes.
Detailed analysis of the samples by a variety of techniques can
provide a model of such on geological processes. Pressure-temperature-time
evolution of thickened continental crust in the Himalayan region.
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- Collisional and Extensional Tectonics
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- Orogenic building mechanisms. Interaction
of extensional and collisional tectonics as a simultaneous geological
accommodation process. Initiation mechanisms of extensional tectonics.
Critical wedge theory and its applications to gravity sliding.
Parallel and perpendicular extension to the direction of maximum
compression - applications and reasons for the critical divisions.
Uplift mechanisms of metamorphic terranes. Exhumation of deep
seated lithologies with extension. Mechanisms of continental
scale fold interference as a method of continental exhumation.
Effects of uplift, erosion and and exhumation of deeply buried
rocks, mainly in the NW Himalayas of Pakistan.
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- Stress -Controlled Orientation of Fluid
Flow
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- Is Preferred fluid flow direction parallel,
or sub-parallel to the larger horizontal principal stress? Does
this stress plane experiences the least amount of deformation
and is therefore the path of easiest penetration for fluids?
Analysis of reservoir simulations by creating a Finite Element
Model to mimic the stress data obtained from wells, and generate
a map of larger horizontal principal stress trajectories to predict
stress magnitudes and orientations across the an oil field. Use
Finite Element Model to predict the occurrence of sub-seismic
faults.
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