David Brown

Biography

David Brown is currently working as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geographical & Earth Sciences

Research Interest

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 hydrocarbon systems. I lead Vo@G, the Volcanology at Glasgow research group. 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, microCT and laboratory modelling 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 Volcanic/Sub-Volcanic Rocks and Hydrocarbons Competing volcanic and sedimentary systems and their role in hydrocarbon prospectivity: 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 hydrocarbon systems 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 Much of this work focuses on continental flood lava sequences and volcanic rifted margins and I am a member of the Volcanic Margins Research Consortium (VMRC), an industry sponsored collaboration focusing on hydrocarbon prospects in such areas.