Tim Minshull

Extension of the continental lithosphere

This is my main area of research. I have had a few years without funded projects in this area (but with ongoing publication). However, I am co-I (lead in Southampton) of a c. £4M project involving UK, US and German funding for 3D seismic work on the west Iberia margin, which is now scheduled in summer 2013. This project will give unprecedented insights into tectonic processes during continental breakup. I lead the ocean bottom seismic component of the project.

Gas hydrates

In recent years my hydrate research has focused on the hydrate system west of Svalbard, where the hydrate stability field is being thermally eroded by changes in ocean temperature. I currently lead a NERC-funded project (2011-2014) that has funded two cruises: one using high-resolution seismic techniques to image gas escape pathways and the other using controlled source electromagnetic techniques to quantify the amounts of hydrate and gas present. These cruises form part of a large international effort in this region that was triggered by the results of a NERC Consortium Grant I led in the same area in 2008-2011. I also have a small project funded by DECC (through NERC) to model the evolution of the hydrate stability field into the future in this region.