Emeritus ProfessorLidia Lonergan

I am a structural geologist that works across all scales of structural geology from fracturing and fluid flow to continental plate tectonics. In addition, I have a breadth of geological knowledge that allows me to identify interdisciplinary research problems as shown by the notable contributions I have made in the fields of Quaternary science/glaciology, sedimentology, geomorphology, and petroleum geology. I have co-authored papers with 16 current/former members of academic staff in the Department of Earth Science and Engineering including geophysicists, petroleum engineers and sedimentologists, whose specialism is outside my own discipline. My paper on the tetonic evolution of the western Mediterranean co-written with Nicky White is now cited outside of the earth sciences, in the field of evolutionary biology and migration of plant and animal species. In the late 1990s with J. Cartwright I established the first academic research group in the world to use oil-industry 3D seismic data to solve academic and applied problems.

I continue to research and publish on several of my research interests listed here:

Fracturing, fluid flow and digital mapping
Gravity driven deformation and related sedimentary systems in deep water slope environments.
Shale tectonics and fold growth in Caspian Sea
Salt Tectonics- onshore analogues, western Alps
Formation of the South Atlantic passive margin
Formation of Sichuan Basin, China
Deformation in sedimentary basins: insights from 3D seismic interpretation.
Development of polygonal fault systems in mudrocks and the link with compaction and fluid flow in sedimentary basins.
Quaternary ice-sheets extents on the continental shelf of NW Europe; subglacial tunnel valleys.
Sand remobilisation and injection (clastic intrusion; injectites)


Outreach
If you are interested in learning more about the scenery and geology of Italy -take a look at Lidia's talk at the Imperial Festival May 2016. The YouTube link is in the Media box below (please note in Q&A my answers to the Campi Flegrei questions are incorrect!)

I also do geology workshops for schools, both at primary and secondary level.

Talk in Italian on "Vene e fossili: la storia geological della scogliere Zoagliese" which introduces you to some spectacular rocks of the Ligurian Apennines; August 2023
Vene e fossili: la storia geological della scogliere Zoagliese: https://www.facebook.com/comunedizoagliufficiale/videos/1354865328711179/