Staff profile

Professor of Marine Geophysics, University of Durham (since Oct 2010)

Reader in Marine Geophysics, University of Durham (Oct 2003-Oct 2010)

Lecturer in Marine Geophysics, University of Durham (Oct 1990-Oct 2003)

Research Assistant, Marine Group, University of Cambridge (Apr 1990-Oct 1990)

Christine has more than 30 years of sea-going research experience applying marine geophysical methodologies to a wide range of geological targets. She has participated in more than 30 marine geophysical cruises, 20 as Principal or Co-principal Scientist. She has spent the majority of her post-PhD research career studying continental margins, subduction systems, mid-ocean ridges and oceanic islands, the latter from a flexural perspective.

Her research group in Durham is one of two remaining in the UK committed to the design, construction, development and use of seabed geophysical instrumentation and she is currently a Director of the Ocean Bottom Instrumentation Consortium that, initiated with JREI funds, aims to provide an extensive and broad range of seabed instrument platforms to the wider academic community.

Throughout her career she has served on many of the NERC’s peer review panels (Services and Facilities, Earth Sciences Peer Review Committee, Research Vessel Advisory Panel, Fellowships, ODP, Ocean Margins etc) and is currently a member of the NERC’s Marine Facility Advisory Board and reviews grant applications for NERC and NSF and articles for many leading journals. She is a member of American Geophysical Union, Fellow of the Geological Society of London, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and Member of the British Geophysical Association.

Membership of Organisations and Societies

1) Member of the American Geophysical Union
2) Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society - currently Vice President (Geophysics)
3) Fellow of the Geological Society of London - currently Council member
4) Member of the British Geophysical Association
5) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (formerly Member Institute of Learning and Teaching)

Associated Research Activities

*Ocean Bottom Instrumentation Consortium*

Director of the Ocean Bottom Instrumentation Consortium (OBIC) which is hosted at the University of Durham.

The Consortium's goal is to support marine geoscience by providing instrumentation and technical support to the research community, to industry and other organisations. The Consortium comprises academic institutions who have long track records in marine geophysical instrumentation and data acquisition, modelling and interpretation: the University of Durham; and the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton. We employ engineers whose role is to maintain, operate at sea and continuously develop and upgrade the instruments, while senior scientists with many years` experience in ocean-bottom instruments fulfil the management role. OBIC are also interested in establishing research collaborations or commisioned research on behalf of others.

email: info@obs.ac.uk
www: http://www.obs.ac.uk/

Research Highlights

We have developed a model showing that accretion at mid-ocean ridges is a temporarily-variant process, that segmentation is not simply a result of focused magma supply and that crustal construction and spreading can be asymmetric within the axial region. Supporting observations include magma-filled axial magma chambers beneath: slow spreading ridges, overlap basins and offset basins all of which contradict existing models.

Research on the dynamics of rifting-to-spreading at the ocean-continent transition along the Atlantic margin, shows that the earliest crust was accreted at spreading rates ~5-10 times than currently observed, having significant implications for margin subsidence, sediment accumulation and hydrocarbon maturation. As such accumulations also load and flex the lithosphere we have shown that the Atlantic lithosphere become progressively stronger as loading continued whilst oceanic island loads are being used to determine the extent of dynamic topographic support and lithospheric reheating from hot spots.

Recently we have imaged a volcanic eruption and caldera collapse in progress on the seabed, measuring the caldera volume increase and the pattern of contemporaneous volcanic activity.

Such projects require high-resolution 3-D whole crustal datasets and we are actively developing multi-sensor instruments to support such research.

Departmental Duties

Board of Studies
Board of Examiners
Dissertation Co-ordinator

• construction of ocean-bottom instrumentation for use in geophysical experiments and microearthquake studies at sea
• continental margin studies
• magma chamber studies at mid-ocean ridges
• marine seismology
• invesitgation of lithospheric flexure, gravity and geoid anomalies associated with subduction zones, continental margins, oceanic islands and seamounts

• 2015: Previously - Vice President (Geophysics) of the Royal Astronomical Society:
• 2015: Previously - Council Member of the Geological Society of London:
• 2014: Winner - Coke Medal - Geological Society of London:
• 2013: Previously - Member of the NERC Peer Review College:
• 2013: Previously - Member of the NERC Marine Facilities Advisory Board:
• 2011: Previously - Member of the Royal Astronomical Society Medals Panel (Geophysics):
• 2011: Previously - Secretary of the British Geophysical Association:
• 2010: Previously - Member of the British Geophysical Association Executive Committee:
• 2010: Current - Member of the National Oceanography Association Advisory Panel:
• 2010: Current - Member of the British Geophysical Association:
• 2008: Current - Member of the NERC Geophysics Equipment Facility Advisory Board:
• 2008: Previously - NERC User Group Head - Geophysics: Advisor to the NERC on all matters marine geophysical. Community representative and advisor on NERC funding and equipment facilities.
• 2007: Current - Contract Holder and Manager of the NERC Ocean-Bottom Instrumentation Facility:
• 2007: Current - Fellow of the Higher Education Academy:
• 2005: Previously - NERC Peer Review College - including grading and interviewing panels:
• 2005: Current - Chair of the Ocean-Bottom Instrumentation Consortium:
• 2005: Current - Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society: Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society
• 2005: Current - Member of the American Geophysical Union: Member of the American Geophysical Union
• 2005: Previously - EU OBS Facility Management Panel: Member of the EU OBS Facility Management Panel
• 2005: Current - Member of the Institute of Learning and Teaching: Member of the Institute of Learning and Teaching (ILTHE)
• 2005: Previously - NERC Peer reviewing of grant applications: Member of the NERC's Peer Review College
• 2003: Previously - NERC Earth Sciences Peer Review Committee: Past member of the NERC's Earth Sciences Peer Review Committee (ESPRC)
• 2003: Previously - NERC Ocean Margins LINK Peer Review Committee: Past member of the NERC's Ocean Margins LINK Peer Review Committee (ESPRC Representative)
• 2003: Previously - NERC ODP Peer Review Committee: Past member of the NERC's ODP Peer Review Committee (ESPRC Representative)
• 2000: Current - Peer reviewing for national and international journals and research councils:
• 2000: Previously - NERC British Initiative on Mid-Ocean Ridges (BRIDGE) Data Archive Committee: Past member of the NERC British Initiative on Mid-Ocean Ridges (BRIDGE) Data Archive Committee
• 2000: Previously - NERC Research Vessel Advisory Panel: Past member of the NERC Research Vessel Advisory Panel
• 2000: Previously - NERC Services and Facilities Committee: Past member of the NERC's Services and Facilities Committee
• 1995: Previously - JAGSPEI advisory committee on seismic instrumentation: Past member of the JAGSPEI advisory committee on seismic instrumentation

Chapter in book

• Dynamics of Processes Associated with the Creation of New Oceanic Crust (17-38). Cambridge University Press

Conference Paper

• Funnell, M., Peirce, C., Startford, W., Watts, A., & Grevemeyer, I. (in press). Crustal structure and flexural characteristics of the Louisville Ridge and Tonga-Kermadec subduction system.
• Robinson, A., Peirce, C., Stratford, W., Watts, A., & Grevemeyer, I. (in press). Crustal and upper mantle structure of the Louisville Ridge Seamount chain at its intersection with the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone.
• Gregory, E., Hobbs, R., Peirce, C., Wilson, D., & Zhang, L. (2017). 3D P- and S-wave velocity structure and anisotropy of 5.9 Ma oceanic crust at ODP borehole 504B. In Geophysical Research Abstracts (EGU2017-8513)
• Harding, J., van Avendonk, H., Hayman, N., Grevemeyer, I., & Peirce, C. (2016). Model for the evolution of an oceanic core complex and its hydrothermal vent on the ultaslow spreading Mid Cayman Spreading Center. In American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Abstracts (T32A-01)
• Searle, R., Tominaga, M., Peirce, C., Reston, T., & MacLeod, C. (2016). Near-bottom high resolution magnetic observations over and around an active oceanic core complex, MAR, 13N. In American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Abstracts (T33A-2999)
• Wilson, D., Peirce, C., Hobbs, R., Tong, V., Zhang, L., & Gregory, E. (2016). Evolution of young oceanic crust formed at the Costa Rica Rift in the Panama Basin, an overview of the OSCAR project.
• Robinson, A., Peirce, C., Funnell, M., Watts, A., & Grevemeyer, I. (2016). Construction and subduction of the Louisville Ridge Seamount chain – insights from wide-angle seismic imaging. In British Geophysical Association Postgraduate Research in Progress Meeting Abstracts
• Simao, N., Peirce, C., Falder, M., Reston, T., MacLeod, C., & Searle, R. (2016). Velocity structure of the crust at 13N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge: implications for crustal accretion and oceanic core complex formation. In American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Abstracts (T33A-2997)
• Grevemeyer, I., Merz, M., Dannowski, A., Papenberg, C., van Avendonk, H., Hayman, N., & Peirce, C. (2016). Un-roofing of mantle at the ultra-slow Mid-Cayman spreading centre, Caribbean Sea: constraints from wide-angle data and Vp/Vs ratios. In American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Abstracts (T33-A-2995)
• Falder, M., Reston, T., Peirce, C., Simao, N., MacLeod, C., & Searle, R. (2016). Seismic reflection imaging of detachment faulting at 13N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. In American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Abstracts (T33A-3000)
• Reston, T., Falder, M., Peirce, C., Simao, N., Searle, R., & MacLeod, C. (2016). The role of detachment faulting in slow seafloor spreading: first results from cruise JC132 to the MAR at 13N. In American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Abstracts (T33A-2997)
• Gregory, E., Hobbs, R., Peirce, C., & Wilson, D. (2016). Seismic velocity structure and anisotropy at Hole 504B: a 3D investigation into fracturing, alteration and fluid flow.
• Gregory, E., Hobbs, R., Peirce, C., Wilson, D., & Zhang, L. (2016). Understanding fracturing and alteration at ODP borehole 504B: 3D seismic structure and anisotropy of 5.9 Ma oceanic crust. In American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Abstracts (T13B-2712)
• Wilson, D., Peirce, C., Hobbs, R., & Gregory, E. (2016). Triple seismic source, double research ship, single ambitious goal: integrated imaging of young oceanic crust in the Panama Basin. In Geophysical Research Abstracts (EGU2016-3022)
• Castiello, G., Peirce, C., & Grevemeyer, I. (2016). Characterising the evolution of transform continental margins – a geophysical study of the Swan Island transform margin-Cayman trough intersection, Caribbean Sea. In American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Abstracts (T43B-3041)
• Parnell-Turner, R., Sohn, R., MacLeod, C., Peirce, C., Reston, T., & Searle, R. (2016). Detachment fault behaviour revealed by micro-seismicity at 13N, Mid-Atlantic Ridge. In American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Abstracts (T33A-2998)
• Wilson, D., Peirce, C., Hobbs, R., Gregory, E., & Zhang, L. (2016). Time-dependent changes in magmatic and hydrothermal activity at the Costa Rica Rift recorded by variations in oceanic crustal structure. In American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Abstracts (T13B-2708)
• Funnell, M., Peirce, C., Robinson, A., Watts, A., & Grevemeyer, I. (2016). Structure and evolution of the forearc-arc crust along the Tonga-Kermadec subduction system from integrated geophysical data. In American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Abstracts (V13C-2868)
• Robinson, A., Peirce, C., Funnell, M., Watts., A., & Grevemeyer, I. (2016). Geophysical investigations of crustal and upper mantle structure of oceanic intraplate volcanoes (OIVs). In American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Abstracts (T52A-08)
• Grevemeyer, I., Merz, M., Dannowski, A., Papenberg, C., Hayman, N., van Avendonk, H., & Peirce, C. (2016). Seismic structure of lithosphere emplaced at ultra-slow spreading rates. In Geophysical Research Abstracts (EGU2016-12833)
• Watts, A., Peirce, C., Grevemeyer, I., Paulatto, M., Stratford, W., Bassett, D., …Lamarche, G. (2011). New sonar evidence for the rate of growth and collapse at Monowai submarine volcano, Kermadec arc.
• Watts, A., Peirce, C., Grevemeyer, I., Paulatto, M., Stratford, W., Bassett, D., …Lamarche, G. (2011). New sonar evidence for the rate of growth and collapse at Monowai submarine volcano, Kermadec arc.
• Bassett, D., Watts, A., Peirce, C., Grevemeyer, I., Paulatto, M., Stratford, W., …Kalnins, L. (2011). Crustal structure and seismicity associated with seamount subduction: preliminary results from the Louisville-Tonga trench collision zone.
• Stratford, W., Peirce, C., Watts, A., & Paulatto, M. (2011). Lateral variations in the structure of the overriding and down-going plates in response to subduction of the Louisville Ridge seamount chain at the Tonga-Kermadec Trench.
• Wilson, D., Peirce, C., Watts, A., & Grevemeyer, I. (2009). Seismic constraints on the flexural response of the lithosphere to loading at the Cape Verde Swell.
• Kenedi, C., Sparks, R., Dean, S., Hammond, J., Malin, P., Minshull, T., …Voight, B. (2008). Volcano-tectonic history of the island of Montserrat, West Indies, from seismic reflection data.
• Wilson, D., Peirce, C., Watts, A., & Grevemeyer, I. (2008). Seismic constraint on the structure of the Cape Verdes swell.
• Minshull, T., Paulatto, M., Baptie, B., Dean, S., Hammond, J., Henstock, T., …Voight, B. (2008). Crustal structure of Montserrat and surrounding area from integrated onshore, ocean bottom and multichannel reflection seismic data.
• Tang, G., Barton, P., Henstock, T., McNeill, L., Dean, S., Vermeesch, P., …Burchell, A. (2008). 3-D seismic refraction tomography in the Sumatra subduction zone.
• Watts, A., Peirce, C., Hobbs, R., Rodger, M., & Greenroyd, C. (2007). Crustal structure and evolution of the NE Brazil Margin.
• Burchell, A., Peirce, C., & Minshull, T. (2007). Future development in seabed geophysical instrument platforms.
• Watts, A., Rodger, M., Peirce, C., Greenroyd, C., & Hobbs, R. (2007). Crustal structure, sediment loading, and flexure at the NE Brazil margin.
• Greenroyd, C., Peirce, C., Rodger, M., Watts, A., & Hobbs, R. (2007). Crustal structure of the continental margin – implications for rifting and early spreading of the equatorial Atlantic.
• Greenroyd, C., Peirce, C., Rodger, M., Watts, A., & Hobbs, R. (2006). Crustal structure of the French Guiana continental margin - implications for rifting and early spreading of the equatorial Atlantic.
• Rodger, M., Watts, A., Greenroyd, C., Peirce, C., & Hobbs, R. (2006). Gravity anomalies, crustal structure, and flexure at the NE Brazil rifted continental margin.
• Rodger, M., Watts, A., Greenroyd, C., Peirce, C., & Hobbs, R. (2006). Gravity anomalies, crustal structure, and flexure at the NE Brazil rifted continental margin.
• Peirce, C., Sinha, M., Topping, S., Gill, C., & Gardiner, A. (2006). Segmentation and volcanic cycles: their relationship and evolution at the southern Reykjanes Ridge, Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
• Peirce, C., Sinha, M., Topping, S., Gill, C., & Gardiner, A. (2005). Segmentation and volcanic cycles: their relationship and evolution at the southern Reykjanes Ridge, Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
• Greenroyd, C., Peirce, C., Rodger, M., Watts, A., & Hobbs, R. (2005). Crustal structure of the continental margin offshore French Guiana, central Atlantic.
• Rodger, M., Watts, A., Greenroyd, C., Peirce, C., & Hobbs, R. (2005). Gravity anomalies, crustal structure and flexure at the NE Brazil rifted continental margin.
• Greenroyd, C., Rodger, M., Peirce, C., Watts, A., & Hobbs, R. (2004). Seismic structure of the continental margin offshore French Guyana and north-eastern Brazil.
• Minshull, T., Peirce, C., McIntosh, J., Burchell, A., Sinha, M., Collier, J., …Henstock, T. (2004). UK Ocean-Bottom Instrumentation Consortium: a new pool of seafloor geophysical equipment.
• Greenroyd, C., Rodger, M., Peirce, C., Watts, A., & Hobbs, R. (2004). Seismic structure of the continental margin offshore French Guiana and north-eastern Brazil.
• Gardiner, A., Peirce, C., Searle, R., & Sinha, M. (2002). Cyclicity of crustal accretion at the Reykjanes Ridge.
• Gill, C., Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (2002). RAMESSES II – mapping an axial melt system beneath a slow-spreading ridge.
• Schultz, A., Lampitt, R., Peirce, C., & Boyle, E. (2001). B-DEOS Plans for establishment of long-term mobile interdisciplinary ocean observatory systems in the N and S Atlantic, Long-term observations in the oceans, current status and perspectives for the future.
• Peirce, C., Turner, I., Day, A., & Sinha, M. (2000). Spreading vs. stretching: rift tip propagation and ridge structure in the southern Lau Basin.
• Gill, C., Peirce, C., Sinha, M., & Topping, S. (2000). RAMESSES II - Reykjanes Axial Melt Experiment: Structural Synthesis of Electromagnetics and Seismic Phase Two.
• Topping, S., Sinha, M., & Peirce, C. (2000). RAMESSES II: Crustal structure at a slow spreading ridge.
• Gardiner, A., Peirce, C., Searle, R., & Sinha, M. (2000). An investigation into the relationship between residual mantle Bouguer anomaly and spreading centre segmentation at the Reykjanes Ridge.
• Turner, I., Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (1997). Seismic evidence of a large magma body beneath the Valu La Ridge, Lau Basin (SW Pacific).
• Sinha, M., MacGregor, L., Navin, D., Peirce, C., Inglis, M., Constable, S., …Heinson, G. (1997). RAMESSES - Reykjanes axial melt experiment: synthesis of seismic and electromagnetic studies.
• Navin, D., Peirce, C., Inglis, M., Constable, S., White, A., Heinson, G., …Sinha, M. (1997). RAMESSES - Reykjanes Ridge seismic experiment: evidence of accumulated melt beneath a slow spreading ridge.
• Heinson, G., White, A., Navin, D., MacGregor, L., Constable, S., Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (1997). Evidence for an axial magma chamber at a slow spreading ridge from RAMESSES.
• Turner, I., Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (1996). Geophysical images of axial magma chambers beneath intermediate spreading ridges - the Valu Fa Ridge, Lau Basin (SW Pacific).
• Watts, A., Peirce, C., Collier, J., Dalwood, R., Canales, J., & Henstock, T. (1996). A study of lithospheric flexure and the oceanic crust in the vicinity of the Canary Islands.
• Peirce, C., Sinha, M., Constable, S., Navin, D., MacGregor, L., White, A., …Inglis, M. (1996). Geophysical Evidence for a magma chamber beneath the slow spreading Reykjanes Ridge, N. Atlantic.
• Turner, I., Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (1996). Geophysical images of axial magma chambers beneath intermediate spreading ridges - the Valu Fa Ridge, Lau Basin (SW Pacific).
• Turner, I., Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (1996). Geophysical images of axial magma chambers beneath intermediate spreading ridges - the Valu Fa Ridge, Lau Basin (SW Pacific).
• Navin, D., Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (1996). Seismic evidence for a crustal magma chamber beneath the slow-spreading Reykjanes Ridge.
• Dalwood, R., Collier, J., Watts, A., Peirce, C., & Canales, J. (1995). A combined seismic reflection profile study of crustal structure in the vicinity of the Canary Islands.
• Dalwood, R., Collier, J., Watts, A., Peirce, C., & Canales, J. (1995). A combined seismic reflection profile study of crustal structure in the vicinity of the Canary Islands.
• Canales, J., Danobeita, J., Dalwood, R., & Peirce, C. (1995). Crustal structure of the Canary Islands from wide-angle seismic refraction and reflection data.
• Navin, D., Dalwood, R., Peirce, C., Sinha, M., & Watts, A. (1995). Application of coincident wide-angle and normal incidence multichannel seismic techniques to the investigation of the oceanic lithosphere.
• Watts, A., Dalwood, R., Peirce, C., Collier, J., & Canales, J. (1995). Crustal structure and lithospheric flexure and the Canary Islands and Hawaii: Implications for oceanic swells.
• Navin, D., Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (1995). Crustal structure of the Reykjanes Ridge at 57ºN.
• Watts, A., Collier, J., & Peirce, C. (1995). A study of lithospheric flexure in the vicinity of the Canary Islands.
• Navin, D., Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (1994). Wide-angle and normal incidence study of the Reykjanes Ridge.

Journal Article

• Peirce, C., & Hobbs, R. (2024). Oceanic crust – seismic structure, lithology and the cause of the 2A Event at borehole 504B. Geophysical Journal International, 237(1), 159-189. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggae029
• Tary, J., Peirce, C., Hobbs, R., Bonilla Walker, F., De La Hoz, C., Bird, A., & Alberto Vargas, C. (2024). Application of a seismic network to baleen whale call detection and localization in the Panama basin – a Bryde’s whale example. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 155, 2075–2086. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0025290
• Peirce, C., Tedd, J., & Hobbs, R. (2023). Structure and dynamics of the Ecuador Fracture Zone, Panama Basin. Geophysical Journal International, 235(2), 1519-1540. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggad315
• Pope, E. L., Heijnen, M. S., Talling, P. J., Jacinto, R. S., Gaillot, A., Baker, M. L., …Urlaub, M. (2022). Carbon and sediment fluxes inhibited in the submarine Congo Canyon by landslide-damming. Nature Geoscience, 15(10), 845-853. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-022-01017-x
• Peirce, C., Grevemeyer, I., Hayman, N., & Van Avendonk, H. (2022). Active ocean-continent transform margins: seismic investigation of the Cayman Trough-Swan Island ridge-transform intersection. Geophysical Journal International, 229(3), 1604-1627. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggac019
• Talling, P. J., Baker, M. L., Pope, E. L., Ruffell, S. C., Jacinto, R. S., Heijnen, M. S., …Hilton, R. J. (2022). Longest sediment flows yet measured show how major rivers connect efficiently to deep sea. Nature Communications, 13(1), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31689-3
• Peirce, C., Funnell, M., Reston, T., & MacLeod, C. (2022). Three-dimensional S-wave velocity structure of oceanic core complexes at 13N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Geophysical Journal International, 232(1), 615-642. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggac350
• Funnell, M., Robinson, A., Hobbs, R., & Peirce, C. (2021). Evolution and properties of young oceanic crust: constraints from Poisson's ratio. Geophysical Journal International, 225(3), 1874-1896. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggab062
• Tary, J., Hobbs, R., Peirce, C., Lesmes Lesmes, C., & Funnell, M. (2021). Local rift and intraplate seismicity reveal shallow crustal fluid-related activity and sub-crustal faulting. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 562, Article 116857. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2021.116857
• Parnell-Turner, R., Sohn, R., Peirce, C., Reston, R., MacLeod, C., Searle, R., & Simao, N. (2021). Seismicity trends and detachment fault structure at 13N, Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Geology, 49(3), 320-324. https://doi.org/10.1130/g48420.1
• Robinson, A., Zhang, L., Hobbs, R., Peirce, C., & Tong, V. (2020). Magmatic and tectonic segmentation of the intermediate-spreading Costa Rica Rift - a fine balance between magma supply rate, faulting, and hydrothermal circulation. Geophysical Journal International, 222(1), 132-152. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggaa152
• Simão, N., Peirce, C., Funnell, M., Robinson, A., Searle, R., MacLeod, C., & Reston, T. (2020). 3-D P-wave velocity structure of oceanic core complexes at 13◦N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Geophysical Journal International, 221(3), 1555-1579. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggaa093
• Peirce, C., Robinson, A., Funnell, M., Searle, R., MacLeod, C., & Reston, T. (2020). Magmatism versus serpentinization – crustal structure along the 13°N segment at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Geophysical Journal International, 221(2), 981-1001. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggaa052
• Lowell, R., Zhang, L., Maqueda, M., Banyte, D., Tong, V., Johnston, R., …Robinson, A. (2020). Magma-hydrothermal interactions at the Costa Rica Rift from data collected in 1994 and 2015. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 531, Article 115991. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.115991
• Peirce, C., Robinson, A., Campbell, A., Funnell, M., Grevemeyer, I., Hayman, N., …Castiello, G. (2019). Seismic investigation of an active ocean-continent transform margin: the interaction between the Swan Islands Fault Zone and the ultraslow-spreading Mid-Cayman Spreading Centre. Geophysical Journal International, 219(1), 159-184. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggz283
• Wilson, D., Robinson, A., Hobbs, R., Peirce, C., & Funnell, M. (2019). Does intermediate spreading-rate oceanic crust result from episodic transition between magmatic and magma-dominated, faulting-enhanced spreading? – the Costa Rica Rift example. Geophysical Journal International, 218(3), 1617-1641. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggz184
• Peirce, C., Reveley, G., Simao, N., Robinson, A., Funnell, M., Searle, R., …Reston, T. (2019). Constraints on crustal structure of adjacent OCCs and segment boundaries at 13N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Geophysical Journal International, 217(2), 988-1010. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggz074
• Searle, R., MacLeod, C., Peirce, C., & Reston, T. (2019). The Mid-Atlantic Ridge near 13º20’N: High-Resolution Magnetic and Bathymetry Imaging. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 20(1), 295-313. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018gc007940
• Grevemeyer, I., Hayman, N., Lange, D., Peirce, C., Papenberg, C., Van Avendonk, H., …Dannowski, A. (2019). Constraining the maximum depth of brittle deformation at slow- and ultraslow-spreading ridges using microseismicity. Geology, 47(11), 1069-1073. https://doi.org/10.1130/g46577.1
• Robinson, A., Peirce, C., & Funnell, M. (2018). Construction and subduction of the Louisville Ridge, SW Pacific—insights from wide-angle seismic data modelling. Geophysical Journal International, 215(3), 2222-2245. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggy397
• Grevemeyer, I., Hayman, N., Peirce, C., Schwardt, M., van Avendonk, H., Dannowski, A., & Papenberg, C. (2018). Episodic magmatism and serpentinized mantle exhumation at an ultraslow spreading centre. Nature Geoscience, 11, 444-448. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-018-0124-6
• Parnell-Turner, R., Sohn, R., Peirce, C., Reston, T., MacLeod, C., Searle, R., & Simão, N. (2017). Oceanic detachment faults generate compression in extension. Geology, 45(10), 923-926. https://doi.org/10.1130/g39232.1
• Funnell, M., Peirce, C., & Robinson, A. (2017). Structural variability of the Tonga-Kermadec forearc characterised using robustly constrained geophysical data. Geophysical Journal International, 210(3), 1681-1702. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggx260
• Harding, J., Van Avendonk, H., Hayman, N., Grevemeyer, I., Peirce, C., & Dannowski, A. (2017). Magmatic-tectonic conditions for hydrothermal venting on an ultraslow-spread oceanic core complex. Geology, 45(9), 839-842. https://doi.org/10.1130/g39045.1
• Van Avendonk, H., Hayman, N., Harding, J., Grevemeyer, I., Peirce, C., & Dannowski, A. (2017). Seismic structure and segmentation of the axial valley of the Mid-Cayman Spreading Center. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 18(6), 2149-2161. https://doi.org/10.1002/2017gc006873
• Searle, R., Peirce, C., & Bentley, A. (2016). Research and Outreach at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Astronomy and Geophysics, 57(3), 3.18-3.20. https://doi.org/10.1093/astrogeo/atw098
• Stratford, W., Peirce, C., Funnell, M., Paulatto, M., Watts, A., Grevemeyer, I., & Bassett, D. (2015). Seismic velocity structure and deformation due to collision of the Louisville Ridge with the Tonga-Kermadec Trench. Geophysical Journal International, 200(3), 1503-1522. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggu475
• Funnell, M., Peirce, C., Stratford, W., Paulatto, M., Watts, A., & Grevemeyer, I. (2014). Structure and deformation of the Kermadec forearc in response to subduction of the Pacific oceanic plate. Geophysical Journal International, 199(2), 1286-1302. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggu330
• Paulatto, M., Watts, A., & Peirce, C. (2014). Potential field and bathymetric investigation of the Monowai volcanic centre, Kermadec arc: implications for caldera formation and volcanic evolution. Geophysical Journal International, 197(3), 1484-1499. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggt512
• Voight, B., Sparks, R., Shalev, E., Minshull, T., Paulatto, M., Annen, C., …Zamora, W. (2014). The SEA-CALIPSO volcano imaging experiment at Montserrat: plans, campaigns at sea and on land, scientific results, and lessons learned. https://doi.org/10.1144/m39.15
• Wilson, D., Peirce, C., Watts, A., & Grevemeyer, I. (2013). Uplift at lithospheric swells – II: is the Cape Verde mid-plate swell supported by a lithosphere of varying mechanical strength?. Geophysical Journal International, 193(2), 798-819. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggt034
• Watts, A., Peirce, C., Grevemeyer, I., Paulatto, M., Stratford, W., Bassett, D., …de Ronde, C. (2012). Rapid rates of growth and collapse of Monowai submarine volcano in the Kermadec Arc. Nature Geoscience, 5(7), 510-515. https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo1473
• Contreras-Reyes, E., Grevemeyer, I., Watts, A., Flueh, E., Moeller, S., Papenberg, C., & Peirce, C. (2011). Deep seismic structure of the Tonga subduction zone: Implications for mantle hydration, tectonic erosion, and arc magmatism. Journal of Geophysical Research, 116(B10), Article B10103. https://doi.org/10.1029/2011jb008434
• Kenedi, C., Sparks, R., Malin, P., Voight, B., Dean, S., Minshull, T., …Shalev, E. (2010). Contrasts in morphology and deformation offshore Montserrat: New insights from the SEA-CALIPSO marine cruise data. Geophysical Research Letters, 37(19), Article L00E25. https://doi.org/10.1029/2010gl043925
• Contreras-Reyes, E., Grevemeyer, I., Watts, A., Planert, L., Flueh, E., & Peirce, C. (2010). Crustal intrusion beneath the Louisville hotspot track. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 289, 323-333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2009.11.020
• Wilson, D., Peirce, C., Watts, A., Grevemeyer, I., & Krabbenhoeft, A. (2010). Uplift at lithospheric swells—I: seismic and gravity constraints on the crust and uppermost mantle structure of the Cape Verde mid-plate swell. Geophysical Journal International, 182(2), 531-550. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246x.2010.04641.x
• Paulatto, M., Minshull, T., Baptie, B., Dean, S., Hammond, J., Henstock, T., …Voight, B. (2010). Upper crustal structure of an active volcano from refraction/reflection tomography, Montserrat, Lesser Antilles. Geophysical Journal International, 180(2), 685-696. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246x.2009.04445.x
• Watts, A., Rodger, M., Greenroyd, C., Peirce, C., & Hobbs, R. (2009). Seismic structure, gravity anomalies, and flexure of the Amazon continental margin, NE Brazil. Journal of Geophysical Research, 114(B7), Article B07103. https://doi.org/10.1029/2008jb006259
• Greenroyd, C., Peirce, C., Rodger, M., Watts, A., & Hobbs, R. (2008). Demerara Plateau - the structure and evolution of a transform passive margin. Geophysical Journal International, 172(2), 549-U19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246x.2007.03662.x
• Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (2008). Life and death of axial volcanic ridges: segmentation and crustal accretion at the Reykjanes Ridge. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 274(1-2), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2008.07.011
• Pim, J., Peirce, C., Watts, A., Grevemeyer, I., & Krabbenhoft, A. (2008). Crustal structure and the origin of the Cape Verdes Rise. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 272, 422-428
• Greenroyd, C., Peirce, C., Rodge, M., Watts, A., & Hobbs, R. (2008). Do fracture zones define continental margin segmentation? - Evidence from the French Guiana margin. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 272(3-4), 553-566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2008.05.022
• Greenroyd, C., Peirce, C., Rodger, M., Watts, A., & Hobbs, R. (2007). Crustal structure of the French Guiana margin, West Equatorial Atlantic. Geophysical Journal International, 169(3), 964-987. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246x.2007.03372.x
• Shillington, D., Minshull, T., Peirce, C., & O'Sullivan, J. (2007). P and S wave velocities of consolidated sediments from a seafloor seismic survey in the North Celtic Sea Basin, offshore Ireland. Geophysical prospecting, 56, 197-211. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2478.2007.00669.x
• Papadopoulos, T., Goulty, N., Voulgaris, N., Alexopoulos, J., Fountoulis, I., Kambouris, P., …Lagios, E. (2007). Tectonic structure of Central-Western Attica (Greece) based on geophysical investigations - preliminary results
• Peirce, C., Sinha, M., Topping, S., & Gill, C. (2007). Morphology and genesis of slow-spreading ridges - seabed scattering and seismic imaging within the oceanic crust. Geophysical Journal International, 168(1), 59-89. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246x.2006.03223.x
• Rodger, M., Watts, A., Greenroyd, C., Peirce, C., & Hobbs, R. (2006). Evidence for unusually thin oceanic crust and strong mantle beneath the Amazon fan. Geology, 34(12), 1081-1084. https://doi.org/10.1130/g22966a.1
• Peirce, C., Gardiner, A., & Sinha, M. (2005). Temporal and spatial cyclicity of accretion at slow-spreading ridges - evidence from the Reykjanes Ridge. Geophysical Journal International, 163(1), 56-78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246x.2005.02738.x
• Minshull, T., Sinha, M., & Peirce, C. (2005). Multi-disciplinary, sub-seabed geophysical imaging - a new pool of 28 seafloor instruments in use by the United Kingdom Ocean Bottom Instrument Consortium
• Day, A., & Peirce, C. (2002). Ocean-bottom seismograph tomographic experiments- a consideration of acquisition geometries vs. resources. Geophysical Journal International, 151(2), 543-566. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-246x.2002.01783.x
• Peirce, C., & Navin, D. (2002). The RAMESSES experiment - V. Crustal accretion at axial volcanic ridge segments - a gravity study at 57deg 45'N on the slow spreading Reykjanes Ridge. Geophysical Journal International, 149(1), 76-94. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-246x.2002.01613.x
• Day, A., Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (2001). Three-dimensional crustal structure and magma chamber geometry at the intermediate-spreading, back-arc Valu Fa Ridge, Lau Basin- results of a wide-angle seismic tomographic inversion. Geophysical Journal International, 146(1), 31-52. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0956-540x.2001.01446.x
• Peirce, C., Turner, I., & Sinha, M. (2001). Crustal structure, accretionary processes and rift propagation: a gravity study of the intermediate-spreading Valu Fa Ridge, Lau Basin. Geophysical Journal International, 146(1), 53-73. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0956-540x.2001.01445.x
• Goulty, N., Peirce, C., Flatman, T., Home, M., & Richardson, J. (2000). Magnetic survey of the Holy Island Dyke on Holy Island, Northumberland. Proceedings of the Yorkshire Geological Society, 53(2), 111-118. https://doi.org/10.1144/pygs.53.2.111
• Turner, I., Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (1999). Seismic imaging of the axial region of the Valu Fa Ridge, Lau Basin - the accretionary processes of an intermediate back-arc spreading ridge. Geophysical Journal International, 138(2), 495-519. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-246x.1999.00883.x
• Sinha, M., Constable, S., Peirce, C., White, A., Heinson, G., MacGregor, L., & Navin, D. (1998). Magmatic processes at slow spreading ridges: implications of the RAMESSES experiment at 57° 45'N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Geophysical Journal International, 135(3), 731-745. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-246x.1998.00704.x
• Collier, J., Henstock, T., Peirce, C., & Watts, A. (1998). A detailed geophysical study in the Canary Basin (eastern Atlantic): Implications for the internal structure of 130 Ma oceanic crust. Geophysical Journal International, 135(3), 943-963. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-246x.1998.00675.x
• Navin, D., Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (1998). The RAMESSES experiment - II. Evidence for accumulated melt beneath a slow-spreading ridge from wide-angle refraction and multichannel reflection seismic profiles. Geophysical Journal International, 135, 746-772. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-246x.1998.00709.x
• Collier, J., Danobeitia, J., Canales, J., Dalwood, R., Gadd, S., Haywood, N., …Watts, A. (1997). Evidence for asymmetric accretion and low-angle, planar faults in slow-spreading oceanic crust. Geology, 25(12), 1075-1078. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613%281997%29025%3C1075%3Aefaaal%3E2.3.co%3B2
• Keeton, J., Searle, R., Parsons, B., White, R., Murton, B., Parson, L., …Sinha, M. (1997). Bathymetry of the Reykjanes Ridge. Marine Geophysical Research, 19(1), 55-64
• Watts, A., Peirce, C., Collier, J., Dalwood, R., Canales, J., & Henstock, T. (1997). A seismic study of lithospheric flexure in the vicinity of Tenerife, Canary Islands. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 146(3-4), 431-447. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0012-821x%2896%2900249-x
• Sinha, M., Navin, D., MacGregor, L., Constable, S., Peirce, C., White, A., …Inglis, M. (1997). Evidence for accumulated melt beneath the slow-spreading Mid-Atlantic Ridge. In: Mid-ocean ridges - dynamics of processes associated with creation of new oceanic crust. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 355(1723), 233-253
• Peirce, C., Whitmarsh, R., Scrutton, R., Pontoise, B., Sage, F., & Mascle, J. (1996). Cote d'Ivoire Ghana margin - seismic imaging of passive rifted crust adjacent to a transform continental margin. Geophysical Journal International, 125, 781-795. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246x.1996.tb06023.x
• Peirce, C., & Barton, P. (1992). Southern Segment of the European Geotraverse - A wide-angle refraction survey in the Sardinia Channel. Marine Geophysical Research, 14, 227-248
• Peirce, C., & Barton, P. (1991). Crustal structure of the Madeira-Tore Rise, eastern North Atlantic - results of a DOBS wide-angle and normal incidence seismic experiment in the Josephine Seamount region. Geophysical Journal International, 106, 357-378. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-246x.1991.tb03898.x
• Peirce, C., & Barton, P. (1988). The crustal structure of the East Menorca Rise from OBS refraction data. Geophysical Journal International, 92, 529-

Other (Print)

• Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (1997). RAMESSES II - the Reykjanes Ridge revisited during the last BRIDGE-funded research cruise
• Constable, S., Sinha, M., MacGregor, L., Navin, D., Peirce, C., White, A., & Heinson, G. (1997). RAMESSES finds a magma chamber beneath a slow spreading ridge
• Peirce, C., Sinha, M., Constable, C., & Party, T. E. S. (1996). Geophysical images of axial magma chambers beneath the Valu Fa Ridge, Lau Basin (SW Pacific) - R/V Maurice Ewing cruise 9512
• Peirce, C., Sinha, M., Constable, C., & Party, T. E. S. (1996). R/V Maurice Ewing cruise 9512 - Geophysical investigations of melt bodies beneath the Valu Fa Ridge, Lau Basin (SW Pacific)
• Sinha, M., Peirce, C., & team, T. C. (1993). A geophysical survey of the Reykjanes Ridge: CD81 cruise progress report
• Peirce, C. (1992). Reuse of Submarine Telecommunications Cables

Presentation

• Zhang, L., Tong, V., Hobbs, R., Peirce, C., Lowell, R., Haughton, G., …Robinson, A. (2017, December). Axial crustal structure of the Costa Rica Rift: Implications for along-axis hydrothermal circulation. Paper presented at American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting
• Wilson, D., Peirce, C., Watts, A., & Grevemeyer, I. (2008, December). Seismic constraints on the structure of the Cape Verdes swell. Paper presented at British Geophysical Aassociation: Postgraduates in Geophysics Meeting 2008, Durham University, UK
• Wilson, D., Moorkamp, M., Hobbs, R., Peirce, C., Harris, R., & Morgan, J. (2017, December). Determining the extent of hydrothermal interaction on the southern Costa Rica Rift ridge flank during the past 8 Ma from joint inversion of geophysical data. Paper presented at American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting
• Paulatto, M., Minshull, T., Henstock, T., Sparks, R., Baptie, B., Mailin, P., …Peirce, C. (2008, September). A glimpse inside an active volcano: 2D inversion of acombined refracted and reflected arrivals at Montserrat. Paper presented at British Geophysical Association: Postgraduate conference., Durham University, UK
• Gregory, E., Hobbs, R., Peirce, C., & Wilson, D. (2017, December). Porosity, fracturing and alteration of young oceanic crust: new seismic analyses at borehole 504B. Paper presented at American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting

Report

• Peirce, C., & Watts, A. (2011). The Louisville Ridge – Tonga Trench collision: Implications for subduction zone dynamics, R/V Sonne SO215 Cruise Report. [No known commissioning body]
• Grevemeyer, I., & Party, A. T. S. (2008). Tonga Thrust Earthquake Asperity at Louisville Ridge (TOTAL). [No known commissioning body]
• Grevemeyer, I., & Party, A. T. S. (2005). Cape Verde Hotspot: A Seismic Refraction study of Isostasy and Magmatic underplating (CHRISMA). [No known commissioning body]
• Peirce, C., & Watts, A. (2004). A deep seismic study of the Amazon Cone: Implications for the strength of extended continental lithosphere. RRS Discovery 275 cruise report. [No known commissioning body]
• Peirce, C., & Sinha, M. (1999). RAMESSES II – Reykjanes Axial Melt Experiment: Structural Synthesis of Electromagnetics and Seismics, RRS Discovery 235c cruise report. [No known commissioning body]
• Peirce, C., Sinha, M., & Constable, S. (1996). Controlled source electromagnetic and seismic investigation of the Valu Fa Ridge, Lau Basin, SW Pacific, R/V Maurice Ewing 9512 cruise report. [No known commissioning body]
• Sinha, M., Peirce, C., Constable, S., & White, A. (1994). An integrated geophysical investigation of the axial volcanic region of the Reykjanes Ridge at 57º45'N, RRS Charles Darwin 81 cruise report. [No known commissioning body]
• Watts, A., Peirce, C., Collier, J., & Henstock, T. (1994). Canary Islands seismic experiments, RRS Charles Darwin 82 cruise report. [No known commissioning body]
• Peirce, C., & Kirk, R. (1991). Digital Ocean Bottom Seismographs, In: Whitmarsh, R.B. and Scrutton, R.A., Geophysical investigations of the Ghana transform margin, Gulf of Guinea. RRS Charles Darwin 55 cruise report. [No known commissioning body]
• Peirce, C. (1991). Processing of DOBS wide-angle refraction data using SKS. [No known commissioning body]