Research outputs per year
Research outputs per year
Dr
Accepting PhD Students
My research profile spans three interlinked themes, underpinned with a common applied geophysics thread that aims to better understand the solid Earth through a holistic laboratory experiments and simulations:
Research theme 1: Rock Physics: This discipline describes the combination of controlled laboratory rock deformation experiments with measurements of geophysical and seismological properties. These experiments and methodologies allow fundamental studies of deep Earth processes to be made – which cannot be directly accessed – for comparison to routinely collected field data. Over the last 20 years I have applied these methods to, (i) develop a new understanding between fluid flow (permeability) anisotropy, elastic-wave anisotropy and 3D pore fabric anisotropy, (ii) better understand rock mass stability and fault friction, and (iii) understand how the 3D rock fabric influences seismic attenuation and other geophysical data.
Research theme 2: Volcanotectonics & Geohazards: I extended the methods above, for the first time, to investigate fluid-driven seismicity in the shallow crust with particular focus on passive (triggered) seismicity in active volcanoes. These earthquakes in volcanic settings (known as ‘Volcano-Tectonic’, ‘Hybrid’ and ‘Low Frequency’ harmonic events) are diagnostic of conditions under the volcano and frequently detected before unrest. A new understanding of their generation in terms of fluid pressure, speed, and volume is now allowing new models to be developed for this important geological hazard, and better understand the key role that fluids have on the stability of volcanic flanks.
Research theme 3: Fluid-induced fracture mechanics: Fluids moving within a sealed impermeable rock mass will ultimately lead to fracture and failure due to over-pressurisation. This is both a natural phenomenon (e.g. veining, diking), and exploited during intentional hydraulic fracture. My research has successfully developed novel new apparatus to safely simulate this process at elevated pressure and temperature. These important new experiments have deconstructed the links between the high-pressure rock mechanics, fracture tip stresses, and the generated fracture energy (seismicity). This has allowed my group to better understand the speed of fracture, and its resistance (or ‘fracture toughness’) with increasing simulated depth. This is a unique area of research providing valuable information impacting the design of deep geological resources (e.g. Geothermal energy) as well as preventing unwanted fracturing, reducing risk and hazard in heat-generating processes (e.g. deep geological storage of nuclear waste).
Specific areas of active research include:
To see my full up-to-date profile and research group activities and outputs, see: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Philip_Benson2 and the RML Pure portal
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Ph.D., Anisotropy of the crust and crustal rocks, University College London
Award Date: 13 Oct 2004
Master of Science, Exploration Geophysics, University of Leeds
Award Date: 30 Sep 1998
UK Academic Co-respresentative, EPOS, British Geological Survey
1 Jan 2016 → …
Peer Review College, Natural Environment Research Council
1 Jan 2015 → …
Treasurer, The Geological Society
1 Jan 2015 → …
Honorary Research Fellow, Rock and Ice Physics Laboratory, University College London
1 Jan 2014 → 1 Jan 2024
Chair, UK Rock Deformation Network
2013 → …
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
King, T. (Creator), Benson, P. (Creator), De Siena, L. (Creator) & Vinciguerra, S. (Creator), Zenodo, 2020
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.3958910, https://zenodo.org/record/3958910
Dataset
Colombero, C. (Creator), Comina, C. (Creator), Vinciguerra, S. C. (Creator) & Benson, P. (Creator), John Wiley & Sons Inc., 21 Feb 2018
https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.19397.65763
Dataset
Castagna, A. (Creator), Ougier-Simonin, A. (Creator), Benson, P. (Creator), Browning, J. (Creator), Walker, R. J. (Creator), Fazio, M. (Creator) & Vinciguerra, S. C. (Creator), Wiley, 26 Dec 2018
Dataset
Harnett, C. E. (Creator), Benson, P. (Creator), Rowley, P. (Creator) & Fazio, M. (Creator), University of Leeds, 31 Jan 2018
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-20442-w#author-information
Dataset
Bakker, R. (Creator), Violay, M. E. S. (Creator), Vinciguerra, S. C. (Creator), Fazio, M. (Creator) & Benson, P. (Creator), John Wiley & Sons, 5 Jul 2019
Dataset
Storey, C., Benson, P., Miles, R., Pickford, A. & Gill, R.
2/05/22 → 1/05/23
Project: Research
1/09/21 → 31/08/23
Project: Research
Benson, P., Tozzi, G., Vinciguerra, S. C., De Siena, L. & Bullen, D.
1/10/19 → 30/09/23
Project: Research
De Siena, L., Benson, P., Rowley, P. & Bean, C.
1/04/19 → …
Project: Research
Philip Benson (Editorial board member)
Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work types › Editorial activity
Philip Benson (Visiting researcher)
Activity: Visiting an external organisation types › Visiting an external academic institution
Philip Benson (Visiting researcher)
Activity: Visiting an external organisation types › Visiting an external academic institution
Philip Benson (Editorial board member)
Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work types › Publication peer-review
Philip Benson (Visiting researcher)
Activity: Visiting an external organisation types › Visiting an external academic institution
Benson, Philip (Recipient), 2011
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
Benson, Philip (Recipient), 2005
Prize: National/international honour
1/01/10
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Expert comment