Structural evolution of the triple junction boundaries in the Lau and North Fiji backarc basins

Plate tectonics is a major driver of ore formation in the Earth’s crust. The metals contained in those deposits are critical to our global economy but are increasingly difficult to find. Many deposits were formed at microplate boundaries that provided the melt and fluid pathways for metals; however, the processes leading to microplate formation in ancient mineral belts are poorly understood. This study will investigate microplate formation at two modern analogs, in the NE Lau and North Fiji backarc basins of the southwest Pacific Ocean. These are type localities for tectonic triple junctions, which are a fundamental stage in microplate formation. We aim to understand the structural evolution of triple junctions in this modern context in order to gain a perspective on how microplates and associated crustal-scale fluid pathways formed in ancient submarine volcanic terranes that host ore deposits. Through detailed geological and structural mapping, using integrated ship- and satellite-based geophysical data, including bathymetry, gravity, and magnetics, the tectonic evolution of the Mangatolu triple junction (Lau Basin) and the central North Fiji Basin triple junction will be studied. To be cont’d.

Faculty Supervisor:

Mark Hannington

Student:

Partner:

Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: