Fault zone architecture and damage distribution in the Hekkelstrand Marble mine (Ballangen, Nordland)
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Project description
A consistent observation within orogenic belts is the alternation in time of compressional and extensional tectonic regimes. During tectonic inversion, the role of inherited fabrics and structures can play a fundamental role in controlling the spatial distribution and style of deformation. Therefore, the study of field examples of areas that have undergone tectonic inversion can play a pivotal role in better understanding the factors that control such events. In the Ofotfjorden area, the juxtaposition of the Uppermost Allochthon above the Upper Allochthon is characterized by a large syncline that plunges towards the NE. This folding, which is related to the compressional phase during the Caledonian orogenesis, is locally cut by a network of normal faults striking orthogonal to the fold axis. The Hekkelstrand Marble mine close to Ballangen offers a unique possibility to investigate the interaction between pre-existing structures with later brittle faulting during tectonic inversion. The presence of multiple levels within the mine allows us furthermore to constrain also variations ad increasing depth, thus adding an important 3-dimensional perspective.
This project aims to characterize the architecture of the normal fault network that cuts through the Hekkelstrand Marble by combining (i) a structural field mapping combined with (ii) strain and damage quantification on digital outcrop models that will be created by the student, and (iii) microstructural characterization (optical microscope, SEM and cathodoluminescence) of relevant structures observed in the field.
Based on the student's interest and work, there will be the possibility to expand the area of investigation and/or quantification and microstructural analyses.
During this Master's project the student will learn how to tackle a research question with a multidisciplinary approach and learn a series of versatile field- and laboratory-based techniques.
Proposed course plan during the master's degree (60 ECTS)
GEOV252 - Field Course in Geological Mapping (10 ECTS)
GEOV342 - The Geochemical Toolbox (10 ECTS)
GEOV352 - Field course in reservoir geology (5 ECTS)
GEOV302 - Data analysis in earth science (10 ECTS)
GEOV300 - Scientific writing and communication in Earth Science (5 ECTS)
GEOV251 - Advanced Structural Geology (10 ECTS)
GEOV341 - Thermochronology and Tectonics (5 ECTS)
GEOV345 - Regional geologic excursion to Western Norway (5 ECTS)
Prerequisites
The student will ideally have an interest in structural geology, field work and microscopy. Knowledge of Norwegian geology will be an advantage.
Field-, lab- and analysis work
Field work and geological mapping in the Hekkelstrand mine near Ballangen will form the core of the thesis’ work and will be complemented by quantitative analysis of digital outcrop models as well as microstructural characterization of relevant samples.
This project is funded by Franzefoss Minerals.
NB! The project is not yet approved by the Program board