Postdoctoral Research Fellow (RESTLESS Project)
December 2025 – present. Johannes Gutenberg–Universität Mainz, Germany.
I’m Alex Clarke
I am a structural geologist working as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Johannes Gutenberg–Universität Mainz and a hobbyist girl-with-camera.
My research investigates the physical heterogeneities of rocks, especially in and around large fault zones and mélanges. The overarching theme of my research is how heterogeneities in material properties (e.g. strength), heterogeneities in rock structure (e.g. fractures), and heterogeneities in fluid flow and pressurisation interact to determine how that rock mass behaves when stressed. I take a highly holistic and multidisciplinary approach to my research, integrating field-based structural geology with microscopy, petrology, rock mechanics, photogrammetry, and numerical modelling.
I also love to teach and I am interested in innovative and engaging methods of teaching earth sciences, both in the classroom and in the field. I am particularly interested in the opportunities and challenges presented by new technologies and how to balance teaching the traditional fundamentals with preparing students for the realities of modern geoscience. I am a passionate advocate for the accessibility and inclusion of marginalised people in science and academia and like to promote practical strategies to remove barriers to participation, especially in fieldwork.
In my free time, I enjoy photography and my images reflects my love of nature and the diverse forms nature can take. I enjoy the challenge of producing images which are both beautiful and informative, and which highlight details that are often overlooked.
Professional History
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Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship
December 2023 – November 2025. Johannes Gutenberg–Universität Mainz, Germany.
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Lecturer (100% teaching position)
August 2022 – August 2023. University College London, UK.
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Senior Teaching Assistant in Virtual Field Trips (100% teaching position)
May 2021 – July 2022. University College London, UK.
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Freelance Typesetter
December 2018 – June 2020. Smashing Media AG.
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Visiting Lecturer (100% teaching position)
August 2019 – June 2020. Royal Holloway University of London, UK.
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Postgraduate Teaching Assistant
September 2014 – June 2019. Royal Holloway University of London, UK.
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PhD — Heterogeneous Input in a Subduction System & Its Effect on Plate Boundary Processes: Structural Analysis of the Osa Mélange, SW Costa Rica
September 2014 – November 2018. Royal Holloway University of London, UK.
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Applications Advisor at Careers Service
September 2017 – February 2018. Royal Holloway University of London, UK.
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Website Coordinator for Volcanology at Leicester
June 2014 – September 2014. University of Leicester, UK.
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MGeol Geology (First Class Honours)
October 2010 – June 2014. University of Leicester, UK.
Publications
Clarke, A.P., Haas, R., Hawemann, F., Toy, V.G.
Systematic Evaluation of the Influence of Camera Placement and Settings on the Quality of Photogrammetric Models of Rocks
Vannucchi, P., Clarke, A.P., de Montserrat, A., Ougier-Simonin, A., Aldega, L., Morgan, J.P.
A strength inversion origin for non-volcanic tremor
Clarke, A.P., Vannucchi, P.
Structural anisotropy: Using image analysis to quantify block-in-matrix fabrics
Clarke, A.P.
Heterogeneous input in a subduction system & its effect on plate boundary processes: Structural analysis of the Osa Mélange, SW Costa Rica
Clarke, A.P., Vannucchi, P., Morgan, J.P.
Seamount chain–subduction zone interactions: Implications for accretionary and erosive subduction zone behavior
Presentations
, Clarke, A.P., Helo, C.
The evolution of the Nastberg scoria cone revealed by drone-based 3D imaging
Toy, V.T., Thomann, J., .
Integrating real & virtual field experiences for geoscience education
, Fenske, S., Weiler, M., Toy, V.G.
A Glimpse into the Subduction Zone Plate Interface: 3D structural and mechanical mapping of the Chrystalls Beach mélange, New Zealand
, Haas, R., Fenske, S., Hawemann, F., Toy, V.G.
Quantifying Resolution of Digital Outcrop Models using Synthetic Test Objects
, Vannucchi, P., Morgan, J.P.
Weak Blocks in a Strong Matrix: Exploring parameter-spaces for the biggest controls on subduction interface mechanics
, de Montserrat, A., Vannucchi, P., Clarke, A.P., Ougier-Simonin, A., Aldega, L.
The strength inversion origin of non-volcanic tremor: models and observations
, Clarke, A.P., de Montserrat, A., Ougier-Simonin, A., Aldega, L., Morgan, J.P.
The strength inversion origin of non-volcanic tremor: observations and models
, Morgan, J.P., Clarke, A.P., Ougier-Simonin, A., de Montserrat, A.
Shallow rheological transition along the subduction plate interface and their impact on tremor and earthquake nucleation
, Morgan, J.P., Vannucchi, P., Clarke, A.P.
Numerical Investigation of a Novel Rheology-linked Origin for Seismic Tremor and Low-Frequency Earthquakes
, Clarke, A.P., Morgan, J.P., Ougier-Simonin, A.
The impact of shallow rheological transition along the subduction plate interface on tremor and earthquake nucleation
, Vannucchi, P., Morgan, J.P.
Strong Matrix & Weak Blocks: Evolutionary Inversion of Mélange Rheological Relationships During Subduction and Its Implications for Seismogenesis
, Vannucchi, P., Morgan, J.P.
Seamount Chain – Subduction Zone Interactions: influence of subducting seamount complexes on accretionary and erosive subduction zone behaviour
, Vannucchi, P., Morgan, J.P.
Seamount Chain – Subduction Zone Interactions: Localised subduction accretion and erosion in response to subduction of high relief seafloor
, Vannucchi, P., Morgan, J.P.
Seamount – Subduction Zone Interactions: Impact of ocean floor relief on subduction accretion/erosion & subduction channel heterogeneity
, Vannucchi, P., Morgan, J.P.
Subduction of High Relief Seafloor Driving Subduction Accretion: A seamount flexural moat origin for the Osa Mélange, Costa Rica
, Vannucchi, P., Vinciguerra, S.