Geoscience and sustainable development research

Giving people the tools to understand the Earth and learning how to manage its resources is central to sustaining a region’s ecology, geo-heritage, economic development and helping people thrive with their environment.

Geoscience research at AUT focuses on the grand tectonics of Earth and other planets, and investigates what controls the shape of our Earth’s surface, the rock and mineral constituents of Earth, landslides and other geohazards, and how geology can be used to understand environments.

AUT research incorporates a range of UAV, GIS and photogrammetric technologies, as well as field and laboratory studies.

Current research involves structural mapping and modelling of parts of Ladakh, India, linking geology with geo-heritage in the region, and undertaking sustainable development work and hazard and risk assessment

Geoscientific research in Pakistan has involved working closely with Peshawar University and developing capacity development and inter-university exchange links with Pakistani scientists

Professor Michael Petterson works with numerous Pacific Island colleagues and regularly publishes on sustainable development goals, marine management, environmental vulnerability and regional development.

Courses this topic is linked to

Researchers involved

3D models

The research team has captured imagery for the creation of 3D models and related photogrammetry for classic geological localities in the greater Auckland and Coromandel region. These are used for student assessment, teaching and research projects.