About

I am currently enrolled on a PhD in Earth Sciences and Geophysics at the University of Derby. I have dedicated my research to using high-performance computing systems (ARCHER2 and NIAGARA supercomputers) and the numerical modelling software ASPECT to simulate continental rifting and transform fault development.

My research has contributed to the scientific community through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences, whilst my findings have also attracted significant media coverage from outlets such as the Daily Mail, The Sun, Live Science, and many more. 

Thesis title

Microcontinent cleaving during plate motion changes: Understanding the role of transform faults in plate tectonics

Supervisors

• Dr Jordan Phethean
• Dr Philip Heron
• Dr Charlotte Priddy

Qualifications

• 2022 - 2026: PhD in Earth Sciences and Geophysics, University of Derby 
• 2018 - 2021: BSc (Hons) Geology: 1st Class honours degree, University of Derby

Recent publications

• Longley, L., Phethean, J., Schiffer, C., 2024. The Davis Strait proto-microcontinent: The role of plate tectonic reorganization in continental cleaving, Gondwana Research, 133, 14–29.
• Longley, L. and Phethean, J., 2025. Mega-transform fault development: New insights from Geodynamic modelling using ASPECT and real-world examples, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria.
• Phethean, J. J. J., Schiffer, C., Rime, V., and Longley, L., 2025. Diverse tectonic mechanisms emplace continental crust in the ‘oceanic’ realm, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria.
• Longley, L., Phethean, J., and Heron, P., 2024. Deciphering the Role of Plate Motion Changes and Inherited Structures in Mega-Transform Fault Development Using Geodynamic Numerical Models, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria.
• Longley, L., Martin, L., Satchwell, B., Tomlinson, L., and Phethean, J., 2021. Microcontinent cleaving and enigmatic proto subduction events: The role of transpressional transforms in plate tectonics of the Indian and North Atlantic Oceans, EGU General Assembly 2021, online.