My interests are in how the Earth deforms and how this is recorded in rocks observed at the Earth's surface. I am interested in both plate boundaries and plate interiors; specifically the range of seismic styles (from creep, through slow slip events, to giant earthquakes) in subduction zones, how rifts form and are controlled (or not) by pre-existing structures, why there are large earthquakes far from plate boundaries, and the interplay between fluids (water and melt) and deformation.

I explore these topics through field investigations of active and ancient deformation structures, microstructural investigation of deformed rocks, and a range of geochemical and imaging techniques.

Experience

  • 2014–present
    Reader, School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University
  • 2010–2014
    Senior lecturer, Department of Geological Sciences, University of Cape Town

Education

  • 2010 
    University of Otago, PhD
  • 2005 
    University of Cape Town, BSc(Hons)

Grants and Contracts

  • 2018
    Structures and deformation mechanisms in a slowly slipping subduction thrust, Hikurangi Margin, New Zealand (IODP Expedition 375)
    Role:
    PI
    Funding Source:
    Natural Environment Research Council
  • 2017
    Enhancing PREParedness for East African Countries through Seismic Resilience Engineering
    Role:
    Co-I
    Funding Source:
    Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
  • 2017
    THE GEOLOGICAL RECORD OF THE EARTHQUAKE CYCLE IN THE LOWER CRUST
    Role:
    Co-I
    Funding Source:
    Natural Environment Research Council
  • 2017
    Unlocking the secrets of slow slip with IODP drilling and next-generation seismic experiments
    Role:
    Co-I
    Funding Source:
    Natural Environment Research Council
  • 2016
    Mechanics of slow earthquake phenomena: an Integrated perspective from the Composition, geometry, And rheology of plate boundary faults
    Role:
    PI
    Funding Source:
    European Research Council

Professional Memberships

  • Geological Society of London
  • American Geophysical Union
  • Geological Society of Norway

Contact Åke for

  • General
  • Media request
  • Speaking request
  • Consulting / Advising
  • Research collaboration
  • Research supervision