Mia Holt

Profile

I am a Masters by Research student in the Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics (IGT), within the School of Earth and Environment. My research interests lie in structural geology, fault mechanics, fluid-rock interaction, tribology, microstructure and thermal shock.

My project uses direct shear experiments (within the Institute of Functional Surfaces in the School of Mechanical Engineering) and high-end microscopy to investigate the controls of fluid chemistry on the dynamics of friction evolution during early fault development. These experiments are applied to carbonate normal faults in the Central Appenines, Italy and Anatolia, Turkey.

During my undergraduate degree I was awarded the highest dissertation mark for my geological mapping project, which focussed on the Castleton area in the Peak District. I was also awarded the highest mark for my undergraduate research project which used a novel application of the AZtec feature SEM software to determine the relative contributions of pressure and thermal shock in fulgurites (lightning rocks).

Research interests

Microstructure, fault mechanics, normal faults, tribology, fluids, friction, fluid chemistry, thermal shock, the seismic cycle and hazard assessments.

Qualifications

• BSc Geography and Geology, First Class, University of Leeds

Research groups and institutes

• Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics
• Rocks, Melts and Fluids