Dr David Brown
- Senior Lecturer in Volcanology and Sedimentology (School of Geographical & Earth Sciences)
telephone:
01413305473
email:
David.Brown@glasgow.ac.uk
Molema Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Room 407, 01413305473
Research interests
My research focuses on the complex interaction of volcanology and sedimentology, and their links to magmatic and tectonic processes. My work uses quantitative fieldwork methods, together with petrography, geochemistry and modelling, to investigate volcanic systems and understand their behaviour. I am particularly interested in the physical volcanology and stratigraphy of pyroclastic eruptions and the role of volcanic and sub-volcanic rocks in unconventional energy systems. I also apply my expertise in pyroclastic eruptions to understanding meteorite impact ejecta blankets. I also apply my knowledge in volcanology and sedimentology to anthropogenic geomaterials.
My main research interests are:
Pyroclastic Eruptions
- Pyroclastic density currents and the sedimentation of ignimbrites: using mapping and logging of complex pyroclastic sequences to understand the nature of pyroclastic eruptions, density current dynamics, and the deposition of ignimbrites (in 4-D)
- Particle transport in pyroclastic density currents: using field observations to understand the rheology and dynamics of pyroclastic suspensions
- Caldera-forming eruptions: using field and petrographic observations to understand the eruptive histories of caldera volcanoes and their stratigraphic complexity (in 4-D)
- Ash aggregates: using field and chemical studies to determine how ash is removed from the atmosphere during eruptions
Meteorite Impacts and Ejecta Blankets
- Impactoclastic density currents: using mapping, logging, mineralogy and geochemistry to understand how meteorite ejecta blankets are deposited
Volcanic/Sub-Volcanic Rocks and Applied Geology
- Competing volcanic and sedimentary systems and their role in applied geology: using field and petrographic observations to understand the 3-D and 4-D facies relationships of lavas and interbedded siliciclastic and volcaniclastic rocks (from a variety of palaeo-environmental and tectonic settings), and their potential as reservoirs
- Diagenesis in volcano-sedimentary systems: using field, petrographic and SEM studies to document the reworking of volcanic material into siliciclastic systems and understand its effect on reservoir quality
- Emplacement mechanisms of minor intrusions: using field and seismic studies to recognise intrusions and understand their role in reservoir compartmentalisation
Anthropogenic Geomaterials
- Lithification of anthropogenic geomaterials: using mapping, logging, mineralogy and geochemistry to understand the formation of anthropic rocks
Supervision
I welcome applications/proposals from students interested in my research interests, as outlined above.
- Perez, Velveth
Volcano dynamics modelling and hazard assessment at Torfajökull volcanic centre
Selected Past Projects
- Pamela Campbell: Stratigraphy, emplacement and hazards of welded and lava-like ignimbrites, Las Canadas Caldera, Tenerife
- Jonathan Dietz: Lithofacies architecture and facies models of volcanic, volcaniclastic and sedimentary rocks in the Hreppar Formation, Iceland - understanding hydrocarbon prospects in volcanic rifted margins
- Sapphire Wanmer: Characterisation of eruption and depositional processes of volcanic ash
- Charlotte McLean: Shallow magmatic plumbing systems and edifices of monogenetic volcanic fields
- Heather Rawcliffe: Lava-water-sediment interaction: processes, products and petroleum systems
- Robert Gooday (Cardiff): The formation and evolution of the Central Arran Ring Complex
- Simon Drake (Birkbeck): Physical volcanology and stratigraphy of silicic pyroclastic rocks from the Isle of Skye, NW Scotland
- Samantha Clark (Durham): Constraining diagenetic timings, processes and reservoir quality in igneous-affected basins
- Rachael Ellen (Strathclyde): Predicting the internal structure of fault zones in basalt sequences, and their effect on along- and across-fault fluid flow
Teaching
Head of Earth Sciences Teaching
- Level 2: Earth Science 2A - Magma Matters (Igneous and Economic Geology); Sediments and Sustainability
- Level 2: Earth Science 2B - Field Class
- Level 3: Igneous and Metamorphic Geology - Volcanology; Field Classes
- Level 3: Sedimentary Systems and Deposits - Field Classes
- Level 3: Geological Skills - Geological Map Interpretation and Field Classes
- Level 3: Structural Geology and Basin Resources - Field Classes
- Level 3: Minerals, Metals and Materials - Field Classes
- Level 3/4: Geological Hazards
- Level 4: Advanced Geological Skills
- Level 4: Engineering Geology (Geotechnical and Environmental)