The influence on compositional variability on the style of deformation: a case study from the Hekkelstrand Marble (Ballangen, Nordland)
This Master's project was assigned to Birk Killie Hajum who started the Master's program in Earth sciences, UiB, fall 2025. The Master's project is given by the research group Geodynamics and basin studies.
Hovedinnhold
Project description
During tectonic deformation, the lithological/compositional variations in a rock volume has a pivotal factor in controlling how strain is partitioned as well as the style of deformation. Sedimentary carbonate rocks can often exhibit internal layering that can be characterized, e.g., by marly layers that constitute weaker interfaces where deformation might be localised. A systematic documentation of the compositional effect on deformation will lead towards better understanding of how strain is accommodated in the crust during deformation. In the Ofotfjorden area, the Hekkelstrand Marble outcrops in proximity of the hinge of a large syncline related to the compressional phase during the Caledonian orogenesis. Within the active mine close to Ballangen, the occurrence of continuous outcrops on multiple mine levels offers a unique possibility to investigate the relative spatial distribution of compositional variations with the Hekkelstrand Marble and its effects on both syn-metamorphic and later brittle deformation.
This project aims to characterize the spatial distribution and influence of compositional variations within the Hekkelstrand Marble and the related changes in style of deformation by combining (i) structural field mapping combined with (ii) mineralogical (XRF, XRPD) and microstructural characterization (optical microscope, cathodoluminescence and SEM) of intrusions as well as contact with the host rock.
Based on the student's interest and work, there will be the possibility to expand the range and nature of analyses in the study area.
During this Master's project the student will learn how to tackle a research question with a multidisciplinary approach and learn a series of versatile field- and laboratory-based techniques.
The project expenses will be covered by fundings sponsored by Franzefoss Minerals.
Proposed course plan during the master's degree (60 ECTS)
GEOV252 - Field Course in Geological Mapping (10 ECTS)
GEOV342 - The Geochemical Toolbox (10 ECTS)
GEOV352 - Field course in reservoir geology (5 ECTS)
GEOV302 - Data analysis in earth science (10 ECTS)
GEOV300 - Scientific writing and communication in Earth Science (5 ECTS)
GEOV251 - Advanced Structural Geology (10 ECTS)
GEOV341 - Thermochronology and Tectonics (5 ECTS)
GEOV345 - Regional geologic excursion to Western Norway (5 ECTS)
Field-, lab- and analysis work
Field work and geological mapping in the Hekkelstrand mine near Ballangen will form the core of the thesis’ work and will be complemented by mineralogical and microstructural characterization of compositional variability and deformation features in the Hekkelstrand Marble.
Prerequisites
The student will ideally have an interest in structural geology, field work and microscopy. Knowledge of Norwegian geology will be an advantage.