About Me

I am a structural geologist working as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Johannes Gutenberg–Universität Mainz and a hobbyist girl-with-camera.

My research focuses on the heterogeneities within large faults, shear zones, and subduction zone mélanges — how to map them, quantify them, and explain their origins. Large faults and subduction zones present one of the most dangerous natural hazards on our planet but also provide fundamental resources such as critical minerals and geothermal energy. 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 am especially interested in 3D reconstructions of rocks and outcrops which allow detailed, realistic, and quantifiable models of natural phenomena. In addition to my geology research, I also work on developing methodologies to assess and compare the accuracy and quality of photogrammetric models.

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.

Publications

1. Vannucchi, P., Clarke, A.P., de Montserrat, A., Ougier-Simonin, A., Aldega, A. & Morgan. J.P. A strength inversion origin for non-volcanic tremor. Nature Communications, 13, 2311.

2. Clarke, A.P. & Vannucchi, P. 2020. Structural anisotropy: Using image analysis to quantify block-in-matrix fabrics. Journal of Structural Geology, 131, 103939.

3. Clarke, A.P. 2018. Heterogeneous Input in a Subduction System & Its Effect on Plate Boundary Processes: Structural Analysis of the Osa Mélange, SW Costa Rica. Doctoral thesis, Royal Holloway, University of London.

4. Clarke, A.P., Vannucchi, P. & Morgan, J. 2018. Seamount chain–subduction zone interactions: Implications for accretionary and erosive subduction zone behavior. Geology, 46, 367–370.

Conferences

1. Clarke, A.P., Fenske, S., Weiler, M., & Toy, V. 2025. A Glimpse into the Subduction Zone Plate Interface: 3D structural and mechanical mapping of the Chrystalls Beach mélange, New Zealand. EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr – 2 May, EGU25-16257. (Poster)

2. Toy, V., Thomann, J., & Clarke, A.P. 2025. Integrating real & virtual field experiences for geoscience education. GSNZ Annual Conference 2025, Dunedin, New Zealand, 25 – 28 November. (Oral)

3. Clarke, A.P., Haas, R., Fenske, S., Hawemann, F., & Toy, V. 2024. Quantifying Resolution of Digital Outcrop Models using Synthetic Test Objects. 24th International Conference on Deformation Mechanisms, Rheology and Tectonics, Barcelona, Spain, 9 – 11 July 2024. (Poster)

4. Clarke, A.P.*, Vannucchi, P., & Morgan, J. 2024. Weak Blocks in a Strong Matrix: Exploring parameter-spaces for the biggest controls on subduction interface mechanics. EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14 – 19 Apr 2024, EGU24-11199. (Oral)

5. Clarke, A.P., Vannucchi, P., Ougier-Simonin, A. & Morgan, J. 2017. Strong Matrix & Weak Blocks: Evolutionary Inversion of Mélange Rheological Relationships During Subduction and Its Implications for Seismogenesis. American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2017, New Orleans, USA. (Oral)

6. Clarke, A.P., Vannucchi, P., & Morgan, J. 2017. Seamount Chain – Subduction Zone Interactions: influence of subducting seamount complexes on accretionary and erosive subduction zone behaviour. Geological Association Student Symposium. London, UK, 19 May 2017. (Poster)

7. Clarke, A.P., Vannucchi, P., & Morgan, J. 2017. Seamount Chain – Subduction Zone Interactions: Localised subduction accretion and erosion in response to subduction of high relief seafloor. Subduction Interface Processes Conference. Barcelona, Spain, 19 – 21 Apr. 2017. (Oral)

8. Clarke, A.P., Vannucchi, P., & Morgan, J. 2017. Seamount – Subduction Zone Interactions: Impact of ocean floor relief on subduction accretion/erosion & subduction channel heterogeneity. Tectonic Studies Group Joint Assembly. Liverpool, UK, Jan. 2017. (Oral)

9. Clarke, A.P., Vannucchi, P., & Morgan, J. 2016. Subduction of High Relief Seafloor Driving Subduction Accretion: A seamount flexural moat origin for the Osa Mélange, Costa Rica. UK-IODP Annual Conference. London, UK, Nov. 2016. (Oral)

10. Clarke, A.P., Vannucchi, P., & Vinciguerra, S. 2015. Seamount Chain – Seismogenic Zone Input: The Upper Plate Contribution in Costa Rica. Structural Analysis of the Osa Mélange. UK-IODP Annual Conference. Newcastle, UK, Sept. 2015. (Poster)

Professional History

1. Postdoctoral Research Fellow

   December 2025 – present. Johannes Gutenberg–Universität Mainz, Germany. Working with Prof. Virginia Toy.

2. Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation)

   December 2023 – November 2025. Johannes Gutenberg–Universität Mainz, Germany. Working with Prof. Virginia Toy.

3. Lecturer (Teaching)

   May 2021 – August 2023. University College London, UK.

4. Visiting Lecturer

   August 2019 – June 2020. Royal Holloway University of London, UK.

5. 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. Supervised by Prof. Paola Vannucchi.

6. MGeol Geology — First Class (Honours)

   September 2010 – July 2014. University of Leicester, UK.

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