Douglas Mawson Professor of Earth Sciences
Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow

Member of the Exec of the Geological Society of Australia (SA Division)

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My research deals with plate tectonics in deep time and how our planet’s surface systems (hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere) are controlled by the plate tectonics and the deep Earth. 

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This may be in understanding how the rocks in some part of the world can be read to reveal the tectonic geography of the time they formed--unravelling past volcanic arcs, continental collisional zones or vast mountain ranges. It may be looking at how the arrangements of plate boundaries and the distribution of the continents and topography/bathymetry controlled nutrient supply to the oceans leading to blooms of bacteria and oxygen oases in a largely anoxic world. The planet is over 4½ billion years old, it is incredible what has happened in this time. The record is preserved in the rocks...

I am a data-focussed geologist whose research focuses on applying a wide range of earth science specialisations to address tectonic questions. I am interested in how plate tectonics controls many earth surface systems and this unique process in terrestrial planets has made our planet habitable for large complex life. Specific projects I am interested in range from tectonic geography problems, like unravelling the formation of Gondwana, investigating the amalgamation and topographic evolution of inland Australia, or investigating the timing of SE Asia accretion, to better understanding a focussed process-based question, such as the fluid nature, timing and physical conditions during detachment fault deformation. Most of my research involves a combination of geochronology/thermochronology with geochemistry and structural geology. Most involve student-focussed projects, significant fieldwork (often international and/or in remote regions), and most projects involve collaboration with a wide-range of specialists based throughout the world.

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Alan S Collins - Publications    URL opens Google Scholar in a new tab

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