Tim Dooley

Tim Dooley is a Research Professor at the Bureau of Economic Geology, The University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on the dynamics and kinematics of fault systems using scaled analog modeling, field studies, remote sensing, seismic data, and comparison with published examples. He has been with the Bureau of Economic Geology since 2003, initially as a Postdoctoral Fellow and then as a Research Scientist from 2005 to present.

Dr. Dooley's educational background includes a B.S. with Honours Degree, 1st Class in Natural Sciences–Geology from the University of Dublin, Ireland (1988) and a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of London, Royal Holloway and Bedford New College (1994).

His research interests center around structural geology, particularly strike-slip tectonics and experimental modeling of geologic structures. His work spans various tectonic settings including strike-slip, extensional, contractional, and salt and shale tectonics. Early in his career, he focused on 3-D geometries and kinematics of strike-slip fault systems using innovative analog modeling techniques at Royal Holloway University of London. From 1994-2003, he expanded his research to include delta tectonics, salt tectonics, and extensional tectonics. Since joining the Applied Geodynamics Laboratory at UT Austin in 2003, his work has focused on salt-related modeling, particularly gravity-driven salt tectonics including salt-sheet advance and the influence of strike-slip motion on salt-body reactivation.

Dr. Dooley's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on physical modeling of geological structures, with particular emphasis on salt tectonics and fault system dynamics. His research often bridges theoretical modeling with field observations, creating a comprehensive understanding of complex geological processes. His work has significant applications in petroleum geology and geothermal energy research.

Throughout his career, Dr. Dooley has collaborated extensively with industry partners, particularly in the petroleum sector, applying his research to field-specific problems. His work at the Applied Geodynamics Laboratory continues to advance the understanding of salt tectonics and its implications for energy resource exploration and development.