Exploring Deformation Variability Across the Mohns Ridge Seafloor Through High-Resolution Mapping

Project description
For the past two decades, the Center for Deep Sea Research has conducted extensive exploration in the Norwegian deep-sea regions, with a primary focus on investigating crustal and volcanic processes along ultra-slow spreading ridges, hydrothermal phenomena, mineral resources, and deep-sea biology. The growing interest in marine mineral extraction and preservation has catalyzed a surge in exploration and mapping endeavors. Annual expeditions have yielded significant volumes of acoustic data obtained through ship, AUV, and ROV surveys, supplemented by visual ROV observations and geological sampling along the Mohns and Knipovich ridges. Additionally, comprehensive seismic surveys and ongoing seismicity monitoring in the region provide invaluable insights into the crustal structure and prevailing seismic activities associated with tectonic movements, magmatic processes, and hydrothermal circulation.

The objective of this Master's project is to analyze the variability of deformations along and across the ridge axis in specific sections of the Mohns Ridge. The student will investigate fault growth mechanisms in relation to the underlying geological structure, with a particular emphasis on discerning differences between magmatic and amagmatic regions. This analysis will primarily rely on bathymetric data, encompassing resolutions ranging from 1m to 60m, to systematically map and quantify the geometry of faults and fissures on the seafloor. An integral aspect of the project involves exploring machine learning methodologies to enhance fault mapping and measurement capabilities across varying resolutions. Furthermore, video analyses will be employed to evaluate instances of deformation beyond the resolution limits of bathymetric and backscatter data, thereby providing ground truth for fault scarp geometry.

The necessary software tools for data visualization, processing, and map production are readily available through the Centre for Deep Sea Research. The student will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support throughout the project implementation phase. This program offers a comprehensive learning experience, equipping the student with proficiency in diverse data handling techniques and methodologies pertinent to deep-sea exploration. Special emphasis will be placed on training in seafloor mapping techniques across different resolutions and the integration of multidisciplinary data for comprehensive interpretation.

Proposed course plan during the master's degree (60 ECTS)
- GEOV210 – Plate tectonics (10 etc)
- GEOV231 - Marine geology field and laboratory course (10 etc)
- GEOV251 – Advanced Structural Geology (10 etc)
- GEOV252 - Field Course in Geological Mapping (10 etc)
- GEOV302 - Data analysis in earth science (10etc)
- GEOV316 - Practical skills in remote sensing and spatial analysis (10 etc)

Prerequisites
GEOV104 and GEOV109 (or equivalent)

Field-, lab- and analysis work
The project is based on data already collected through various cruises. However, the student will have the opportunity to participate in future cruises to gain experience, or to collect more data if needed.

NB! This project is not yet accepted by the program board.