Staff and Postgraduate Students
Miss Rachael Bullock, MSci (Hons)
Contact Miss Rachael Bullock (email at r.j.bullock@durham.ac.uk)
Biography
2011 - Ongoing: PhD Structural Geology, Durham University
2007 - 2011: MSci Geoscience (1st Class), Durham University
PhD title: Constraining slip zone processes in natural, seismogenic fault zones
My research integrates field and experimental studies in an attempt to constrain the mechanical behaviour of active, upper crustal faults during the seismic cycle.
The main aims of my research are:
- To study the architecture/geometry of active fault zones in varying lithologies: carbonate rocks (the Gubbio fault, Italy) and unconsolidated sediment (The Dead Sea fault, Israel).
- To study fault rock (including slip zone) microstructures and geochemistry in order to assess the roles of the main deformation mechanisms.
- To perform rotary shear experiments at a range of slip rates (from seismic to sub-seismic), normal loads and displacements in order to study the evolution of the frictional properties of lithologically heterogeneous faults during the seismic cycle.
- To compare the deformation microstructures and geochemical signatures observed in natural vs. experimental faults to identify any indicators of co-seismic slip and dynamic weakening in natural faults.
Awards
2010: Durham University Students in Residence Scholarship, awarded to students whose academic performances have been judged by the Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellors to be amongst the best in their faculty.
2010: Department of Earth Sciences John W. Most Fieldwork Award, for mapping dissertation.
Publications
Bullock, R.J., Morris, J.R., Selby, D. (2011) New findings of body and trace fossils in the St. Brides area, Cape St. Mary's Peninsula, Newfoundland. Current Research Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey, Report 11-1, pages 241-252.
Conference presentations
2013 TSG (Oral presentation): Bullock, R.J., De Paola, N., Holdsworth, R.E. Lithological controls on the frictional behavior of a seismically active, upper crustal carbonate fault.
2012 “Rock deformation from field studies, experiments and theory” meeting (Poster presentation): Bullock, R.J., De Paola, N., Holdsworth, R.E. Microstructures associated with localized vs. distributed deformation in a lithologically heterogeneous fault zone.
2012 TSG (Oral presentation): Bullock, R.J., De Paola, N., Holdsworth, R.E. Slip zone structure and processes in seismogenic carbonate faults.
2011 AGU Fall Meeting (Poster presentation): Bullock, R.J., De Paola, N. Slip zone structure and processes in seismogenic carbonate faults.