![Rebecca Robertson MGeol (Hons), PhD](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/8974?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Rebecca Robertson
(she/her)
MGeol (Hons), PhD
Teams and roles for Rebecca Robertson
Research Associate
Overview
I am a structural geologist interested in how faults behave, why earthquakes happen, and the role that fluids and rocks play in controlling fault slip. My research combines fieldwork, laboratory experiments, microstructural analysis, and geochemistry to better understand the processes operating within active fault zones.
As a Research Associate at Cardiff University, I am part of the ERC-funded ASPERITY project, where I investigate structural relationships, fault-rock alteration, and the deformation of phyllosilicate-rich faults to improve our understanding of earthquake nucleation and slip behaviour.
My previous PhD research at Durham University focused on fluid-rock interactions during seismic slip on the Alpine Fault, New Zealand. I also had the oportunity to sail on IODP 405 JTRACK expedition to sample the plate boundry megathrust fault within the Japan trench; a facinating experience! I enjoy working across disciplines and scales, connecting observations from natural faults with experimental laboratory based studies to better understand the earthquake cycle.
Biography
Biography
2025 - Present | Research Associate in Structural Geology, Cardiff University
I am a Research Associate in Structural Geology at Cardiff University, working with Åke Fagereng on the ERC-funded ASPERITY project. My research focuses on structural relations, fault-rock alteration, and the frictional behaviour of phyllosilicate-rich fault zones, with the aim of understanding how geological heterogeneity influences earthquake nucleation, rupture, and slow slip.
2024 - 2025 | IODP Expedition 405 (JTRACK), Onboard Geochemist
I sailed aboard the D/V Chikyu as an onboard geochemist during IODP Expedition 405 (JTRACK), which drilled the Japan Trench to investigate the Tohoku-Oki earthquake slip surface and the geological processes operating along active subduction zone faults.
2020 - 2025 | PhD in Earth Sciences, Durham University
My PhD research investigated fluid-rock interaction and rock friction using the Alpine Fault, New Zealand, as a natural laboratory. Through experimental rock deformation studies, stable isotope geochemistry, and microstructural analysis, I explored how seismic slip alters fault-zone fluids, minerals, and fault strength. During this time, I also supervised an undergraduate research project and contributed to field teaching.
2023 | Research Placement, TNO, The Netherlands
As part of a research placement with the TNO geomechanics team in Utrecht, I investigated fluid flow around fault damage zones in subsurface reservoir systems using core characterisation, petrophysical testing, structural analysis, and imaging techniques.
2014 - 2019 | MGeol Geology, University of Aberdeen
I graduated with a First-Class Master of Geology degree from the University of Aberdeen. My studies focused on structural geology, tectonics, and field-based geological analysis. For my 4th year project, I mapped the structures of the Ord Window, Skye and my 5th year project investigated the kinematics of mass liquifaction events associated with the Palu, Sulawesi 2018 earthquake.
Speaking engagements
Guest Lectures and Seminars:
- June 2026 - Waikato Branch, Geoscience Society of New Zealand (Hamilton, NZ)
- April 2026 - The Lyell Centre, Heriot Watt University (Edinburgh, UK)
Contact Details
Research themes
Specialisms
- Geomechanics
- Stable isotope geochemistry
- Earthquake science
- Fluid-rock interaction