Structural Geology and Tectonics (SGT)

About the Laboratory

The Structural Geology and Tectonics (SGT) is an academic research laboratory found in the National Institute of Geological Sciences, University of the Philippines.  We are engaged in various projects pertaining to basic research in structural geology and tectonics, as well as in the understanding and solving of practical problems in the fields of mineral and energy resources, and natural hazards.

We maintain ties and are open to work with government agencies, industry partners, non-government organizations, and individuals to conduct local and international research.

Laboratory Head

Mario Aurelio, PhD - Structural Geology, Tectonics, Geohazards

Contact Information

Website: Structural Geology and Tectonics (SGT)
Email: sgt@nigs.upd.edu.ph
Location: NIGS Room 122

Research Interests

• Structural geological modelling of metallic mineral resources
• Structural and tectonic analysis of geothermal systems
• Structural and tectonic analysis of petroleum systems
• Energy and mineral resources assessment in African terrane (Madagascar, Sierra Leone)
• Seismotectonic and geodesic (GPS) analysis
• Earthquake processes and hazards analysis
• Environmental geotechniques (landfill, radioactive waste disposal)

Highlight Projects

• Seismotectonics, paleoseismology, and Coulomb stress transfer of the 2012 Negros and 2013 Bohol Earthquakes: Implications to earthquake hazards in the Central Visayan Region
• Active faults study of Eastern Mindoro, Philippines
• Structural Analysis of Bokod, Benguet Province
• Structural geological, tectonic and geodynamic syntheses of Palawan and the eastern margin of the South China Sea – Groupe Recherche Industrie (GRI-SCS)
• Structural geological interpretation of offshore seismic data in Bondoc Peninsula
• Seismotectonic analysis of the Philippines​
• Modelling of a multi-layer cover for radioactive waste (LILW) repository using HYDRUS
• Site selection and characterization of an near surface LILW radioactive waste repository in the Philippines
• Extended Continental Shelf studies for Philippine ECS areas
  

Research Activities for 2024

Papers published in International-Peer Reviewed Journals (2)

• Munar, J.C., Aurelio, M.A., Dumalagan, E.E. et al. Submerged reef features in Apo and Tubbataha Reefs, Philippines, revealed paleo sea-level history during the last deglaciation. Geo-Mar Lett 44, 3 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00367-024-00764-7

• Llamas, D.C.E., Marfito, B., Dela Cruz, R. and Aurelio, M.A. (2024). Surface Rupture and Fault  Characteristics Associated with the 2020 Magnitude (MW) 6.6 Masbate Earthquake, Masbate Island, Philippines. Tectonics, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023TC008106
  
  

International Conference Presentations (1)

• Catugas, S.D.A., Aurelio, M.A., Dianala, J.D.B., Ramirez, A.B.G (2024) Rupture Geometry and Static Stress Changes of the 2022 Mw 7.0 and Mw 6.4 Earthquakes in Abra, Philippines. In proc. SSA Annual Meeting, Anchorage, Alaska, U.S.A, 29 April – 03 May 2024.
  

Local Conference Presentations (2)

• Manahan, A., Catugas, S.D.A. and Aurelio, M.A. (2024). Deformational Style Along the Masbate Segment of the Philippine Fault Affected by an Extremely Rare Short Recurrence Interval. In proc. GEOCON 2024: The 37th Annual Geological Convention, Quezon City, Philippines, December 2024.
  
  

Externally-Funded Projects (2)

• Geology, Structural Mapping, and Geohazard Mapping of Daklan Geothermal Project in Benguet
• Structural Geological Study of the Maibarara Geothermal Field, Sto. Tomas, Batangas
  
  

NIGS-Funded Projects (1)

• Project: Rare magnitude 5.1 Palawan earthquake of 11 June 2024 in the NW Sulu Sea Basin
  Project Leader: Mario A. Aurelio, Ph.D.
  Period: 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
  Amount: P 120,000.00
  
• Project: Understanding ground deformation associated with two large magnitude 2022 earthquakes in Abra using InSAR modeling
  Project Leader: Mario A. Aurelio, Ph.D.
  Period: 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
  Amount: P 120,000.00
  
  

Visiting Researchers Hosted (1)

• Simon Bufferal
• • Ph.D. Student from Ecole Normale Supérieure de Paris, France
    

Faculty, Researchers, and Student Members

Faculty

• Mario A. Aurelio, Ph.D.
• John Dale B. Dianala, D.Phil (collaborating faculty)

Graduate Students

• Sandra Donna Catugas
• Abigail M. Manahan

Undergraduate Students

• Andrei Mark P. Calma
• Ysabella Maria G. Calvario
• Earl Manuel Y. Wong
• Jamie Almazan

Project Staff

• Micko Chad Lee K. Palma

Awards and Recognitions

• Dr. Mario A. Aurelio
• • Honoree, Hayag: Pagpupugay sa Lingkod Bayan 2024, University of the Philippines
• Sandra Donna Catugas
• • Awardee, Seismological Society of America 2024 Annual Meeting Travel Grant
• Abigail Manahan
• • Shahani Best Undergraduate Thesis