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Carson Richardson

Carson Richardson

Dr

 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2748-4757

Accepting PhD Students

Personal profile

Overview

I am an economic and structural geologist. I grew up in Indiana, USA, graduated with a BSc in Anthropology and Geology from Ball State University in 2012, a MSc in Geosciences from the University of Arizona in 2014, and received my PhD from the University of Arizona in 2019. From 2019 to the start of 2026, I was a Research Scientist, and later Senior Research Scientist, with the Arizona Geological Survey at the University of Arizona, where I managed the mineral resources and geologic mapping programs. I took up my post at the University of Manchester in January 2026.

My work focuses on mineral resources and brittle deformation, with emphasis on the geometry and growth of fault systems, normal faulting applied to resource exploration, and critical minerals.  I work across scales from mineral deposits to basins to provinces, and combine fieldwork, structural-stratigraphic analysis, palinspastic restorations, and geo-/thermochronology to elucidate the magnitude and timescales of deformation. I map the spatial distribution and cross-cutting relations of magmatic-hydrothermal features and integrate mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, and geochronology to constrain the compositions, conditions, and timing of magmatism and hydrothermal processes. Lastly, I am interested in helping the public understand the uses and applications of mineral resources, how fundamentally interwoven these resources are into our everyday lives, and the environmental impacts of resource extraction.

Education/Academic qualification

Doctor of Philosophy, Extensional deformation and ore deposits along a transect through northern Nevada, University of Arizona

2014 → 2019

Master in Science, Reconstruction of normal fault blocks in the Ann-Mason and Blue Hill areas, Yerington district, Nevada, University of Arizona

2012 → 2014

Bachelor of Science, Anthropology and Geology, Ball State University

2008 → 2012

Areas of expertise

  • QE Geology
  • Structural geology
  • Economic geology
  • Regional geology
  • Critical minerals
  • Copper
  • Extensional tectonics
  • Exhumation

Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms

  • Energy
  • Digital Futures
  • Sustainable Futures

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

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):

  1. SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
    SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
  2. SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
    SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
  3. SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
    SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
  4. SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  5. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
    SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
  6. SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
    SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
  7. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
    SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
  8. SDG 13 - Climate Action
    SDG 13 Climate Action
  9. SDG 15 - Life on Land
    SDG 15 Life on Land
  10. SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
    SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

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