Tim Armitage – enviroSPRINT

I am a structural geologist and geochemist with interests in plate tectonics and fault zone mechanisms. My PhD has focussed on understanding the geological history of ancient deactivated faults on Shetland, Scotland. Although now tectonically stable and deactivated, Shetland’s faults show a long geological history from deep in the Earth’s crust. Using remote sensing, fieldwork and microscopic (SEM) analysis, I have been able to determine the processes active during fault zone deformation. By measuring the isotope geochemistry from Shetland faults, I have also constrained when and for how long faults were deformed while deep in Earth’s crust. This research is analogous to currently active tectonic regions on Earth while also explaining ancient tectonic plate movements across the North Atlantic. From my research, I have gained specialist skills in geospatial mapping, SEM analysis and isotope geochemistry.

Publication

I have published part of my research concerning the age and structure of a major fault line on Shetland, the Walls Boundary Fault. This article highlights the importance of how different rock types influence the development of faults and links the Walls Boundary Fault to mainland Scotland’s geological history.

“Late Carboniferous dextral transpressional reactivation of the crustal-scale Walls Boundary Fault, Shetland: the role of pre-existing structures and lithological heterogeneities”

Durham University Structural Geology Research Group

Outside of my research, I manage the departments research group. This group is a platform for internal and external speakers to present their latest findings and for members to develop their technical research skills. Recently, we have also discussed issues relating to equality and diversity in geoscience, including celebrating international women’s day and decolonialising geoscience.

Twitter: @DU_Structural

Conferences

I have presented at numerous conferences nationally and internationally. Of note, to help present at Tectonic Studies Group (TSG) conference in 2019, I successfully applied to the Hatfield Trust. Read my report detailing my experience at the conference and gratitude to the Hatfield Trust.