Overview
Background
New PhD scholarship in 2025: I have an open PhD position in my group with collaboration opportunities with government and industry partners (Check out this scholarship with this link).
For international applicants: Please get in touch with me with a copy of your CV to discuss potential projects and application timelines for scholarships.
I am a Senior Lecturer in Geochronology and Tectonics. I am also an Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellow working on using geochronology (and thermochronology) and micro-analysis to improve knowledge in geoscience related to critical minerals. This Fellowship project is a key activity in my research group and I am always looking for motivated students and ECRs to join this research. It is sponsored by Queensland State Government and in collaboration with leading companies in the critical minerals industry.
Here's my recent seminar on some of the work in my group: https://youtu.be/twNcLECCqPg?si=501qcfSA2mJdHxUh
Broadly speaking, my research advances fundamentals of Plate Tectonics, the unique and unifying theory for our home planet. My group uses a set of field, laboratory, and computational approaches to reveal the geologic history of modern and ancient plate boundaries, focusing on reconstructing the evolution of plate-margin mountains and basins. Such regions are among the most dynamic in the Earth system: their development alters regional and global climate, impacts biogeographic evolution, triggers earthquakes and other geologic hazards, and determines formation and distribution of natural resources such as critical minerals. I have been fortunate to work in some of the most rewarding areas for geologists, including the Himalaya-Tibetan Plateau, Central Andes, eastern Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands. Check out some of my field photos here. I am the lead of UQ Thermochronology Lab. As an in-depth user of UQ RIF (Radiogenic Isotope Facility), I also work with laser ablation ICP-MS with recent work around laser ablation geochronology and geochemistry.
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Editorial activities: I am a Subject Editor for Journal of the Geological Society and a member of the Editorial Board for Results in Earth Sciences. I am the lead Editor for issue 'Geochronology and Critical Minerals Systems' at Ore Geology Reviews. More information could be found here.
Teaching activities: My teaching duties range from delivering introductory courses, upper-year disciplinary courses, to research training courses. Here's a YouTube video of my first-year course [Link]. Also, here's a sneak peek into my SCIE4000 research course [Link].
Availability
- Dr Renjie Zhou is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Engineering, Jilin University
- Masters (Research) of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toronto
Works
Search Professor Renjie Zhou’s works on UQ eSpace
2020
Conference Publication
Control of pre-existing crustal architecture on Cenozoic formation of the Pamir
Sobel, Edward, Rembe, Johannes, Kley, Jonas, Zhou, Renjie, Terbishalieva, Baiansuluu and Chen, Jie (2020). Control of pre-existing crustal architecture on Cenozoic formation of the Pamir. EGU (European Geosciences Union) General Assembly 2020, Vienna, Austria, 4-8 May 2020. doi: 10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-12995
2020
Journal Article
Late Silurian to early Devonian development of the Chingiz accretion arc, West Junggar: insights into accretion arc evolution in the Central Asia Orogenic Belt
Chen, Yichao, Zhang, Ji’En, Xiao, Wenjiao, Zhou, Renjie, Song, Shuaihua, Zhang, Zhiyong, Ao, Songjian, Sang, Miao, Zhang, Qian W.L., Li, Rui, Li, Zhen M.G., Liu, Yin, Zhang, Hui C.G., Liu, Jiahui and Wu, Chunming (2020). Late Silurian to early Devonian development of the Chingiz accretion arc, West Junggar: insights into accretion arc evolution in the Central Asia Orogenic Belt. International Geology Review, 63 (17), 1-21. doi: 10.1080/00206814.2020.1824128
2019
Journal Article
Nature and origin of the volcanic ash beds near the Permian-Triassic boundary in South China: new data and their geological implications
Zheng, Binsong, Mou, Chuanlong, Zhou, Renjie, Wang, Xiuping, Xiao, Zhaohui and Chen, Yao (2019). Nature and origin of the volcanic ash beds near the Permian-Triassic boundary in South China: new data and their geological implications. Geological Magazine, 157 (4), 1-13. doi: 10.1017/S001675681900133X
2019
Journal Article
Retro‐foreland basin development in response to Proto‐Tethyan Ocean closure, NE Tibet Plateau
Yan, Zhen, Fu, Changlei, Aitchison, Jonathan C., Buckman, Solomon, Niu, Manlan, Cao, Bo, Sun, Yi, Guo, Xianqing, Wang, Zongqi and Zhou, Renjie (2019). Retro‐foreland basin development in response to Proto‐Tethyan Ocean closure, NE Tibet Plateau. Tectonics, 38 (12) 2019TC005560, 4229-4248. doi: 10.1029/2019tc005560
2019
Journal Article
LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of low-U garnets reveals multiple episodes of skarn formation in the volcanic-hosted iron mineralization system, Awulale belt, Central Asia
Yan, Shuang, Zhou, Renjie, Niu, He-Cai, Feng, Yue-xing, Nguyen, Ai Duc, Zhao, Zhen-hua, Yang, Wu-Bin, Dong, Qian and Zhao, Jian-xin (2019). LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of low-U garnets reveals multiple episodes of skarn formation in the volcanic-hosted iron mineralization system, Awulale belt, Central Asia. GSA Bulletin, 132 (5-6) 2019TC005560, 1031-1045. doi: 10.1130/b35214.1
2019
Journal Article
Miocene fragmentation of the Central Andean foreland basins between 26 and 28°S
Zapata, S., Sobel, E. R., del Papa, C., Muruaga, C. and Zhou, R. (2019). Miocene fragmentation of the Central Andean foreland basins between 26 and 28°S. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 94 102238, 102238. doi: 10.1016/j.jsames.2019.102238
2019
Journal Article
Intracontinental deformation within the India-Eurasia oblique convergence zone: case studies on the Nantinghe and Dayingjiang faults
Wang, Yang, Wang, Yuejun, Zhang, Peizhen, Schoenbohm, Lindsay M., Zhang, Bo, Zhang, Jinjiang, Zhou, Renjie, Stockli, Daniel F., Seagren, Erin G., Wang, Fei and Wu, Lin (2019). Intracontinental deformation within the India-Eurasia oblique convergence zone: case studies on the Nantinghe and Dayingjiang faults. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 132 (3-4), 850-862. doi: 10.1130/b35338.1
2019
Journal Article
Age and provenance of the Nindam Formation, Ladakh, NW Himalaya: evolution of the intra‐oceanic Dras Arc before collision with India
Walsh, Jessica M. J., Buckman, Solomon, Nutman, Allen P. and Zhou, Renjie (2019). Age and provenance of the Nindam Formation, Ladakh, NW Himalaya: evolution of the intra‐oceanic Dras Arc before collision with India. Tectonics, 38 (8) 2019TC005494, 3070-3096. doi: 10.1029/2019tc005494
2019
Journal Article
Geochemistry and geochronology of ophiolitic rocks from the Dongco and Lanong areas, tibet: insights into the evolution history of the Bangong-Nujiang Tethys ocean
Yang, Peng, Huang, Qiangtai, Zhou, Renjie, Kapsiotis, Argyrios, Xia, Bin, Ren, Zhanli, Cai, Zhourong, Lu, Xingxin and Cheng, Chiyu (2019). Geochemistry and geochronology of ophiolitic rocks from the Dongco and Lanong areas, tibet: insights into the evolution history of the Bangong-Nujiang Tethys ocean. Minerals, 9 (8) 466, 466. doi: 10.3390/min9080466
2019
Journal Article
Nature of the late Ordovician-early Silurian Xiaohe section, Hunan-Hubei area, South China: implications for the Kwangsian Orogeny
Zheng, Binsong, Zhou, Renjie, Mou, Chuanlong, Wang, Xiuping, Xiao, Zhaohui and Chen, Yao (2019). Nature of the late Ordovician-early Silurian Xiaohe section, Hunan-Hubei area, South China: implications for the Kwangsian Orogeny. International Geology Review, 62 (10), 1-11. doi: 10.1080/00206814.2019.1644541
2019
Journal Article
Differential crustal deformation across the Cona-Oiga rift, southern Tibetan Plateau
Wang, Yang, Wang, Ping, Ge, Weipeng, Zhou, Renjie, Schoenbohm, Lindsay M., Zhang, Bo, Zhang, Jinjiang, Yuan, Zhaode and Li, Xiaofeng (2019). Differential crustal deformation across the Cona-Oiga rift, southern Tibetan Plateau. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 177, 177-185. doi: 10.1016/j.jseaes.2019.03.023
2019
Journal Article
Heat- and melt-fluxed melting of lower continental crust: Insights from two types of subduction-related granitoids in northeastern China and the implications for crustal reworking and growth
Ma, Xing-Hua, Qiao, Shi-Lei, Xiang, Peng, Grebennikov, Andrei V. and Zhou, Renjie (2019). Heat- and melt-fluxed melting of lower continental crust: Insights from two types of subduction-related granitoids in northeastern China and the implications for crustal reworking and growth. Lithosphere, 11 (4), 488-506. doi: 10.1130/L1054.1
2019
Journal Article
Tectonic evolution of the western margin of the Burma microplate based on new fossil and radiometric age constraints
Aitchison, Jonathan C., Ao, Aliba, Bhowmik, Santanu, Clarke, Geoffrey L., Ireland, Trevor R., Kachovich, Sarah, Lokho, Kapesa, Stojanovic, Denis, Roeder, Tara, Truscott, Naomi, Zhen, Yan and Zhou, Renjie (2019). Tectonic evolution of the western margin of the Burma microplate based on new fossil and radiometric age constraints. Tectonics, 38 (5) 2018TC005049, 1718-1741. doi: 10.1029/2018tc005049
2019
Conference Publication
Carboniferous and Triassic oceanic crust in the North Pamir: paleogeographic implications
Rembe, Johannes, Sobel, Edward R., Kley, Jonas, Terbishalieva, Baiansuluu, Zhou, Renjie, Chen, Jie and Liu, Langtao (2019). Carboniferous and Triassic oceanic crust in the North Pamir: paleogeographic implications. EGU (European Geosciences Union) General Assembly 2019, Vienna, Austria, 7–12 April 2019. Göttingen, Germany: Copernicus Gesellschaft.
2019
Conference Publication
Arc-continent collision along the northern margin of India as recorded in sediments of the Zanskar Shelf, Ladakh, NW India
Aitchison, J. C., Buckman, S. and Zhou, R. (2019). Arc-continent collision along the northern margin of India as recorded in sediments of the Zanskar Shelf, Ladakh, NW India. AGU (American Geophysical Union) Fall Meeting 2019, San Francisco, CA, United States, 9-13 December 2019.
2019
Conference Publication
Age and provenance of the Dras Arc, Ladakh, NW Himalaya: a detrital zircon record of the Nindam Formation
Walsh, Jessica, Buckman, Solomon, Nutman, Allen and Zhou, Renjie (2019). Age and provenance of the Dras Arc, Ladakh, NW Himalaya: a detrital zircon record of the Nindam Formation. EGU (European Geosciences Union) General Assembly 2019, Vienna, Austria, 7-12 April 2019. Göttingen, Germany: Copernicus Gesellschaft.
2018
Journal Article
Two-phase exhumation along major shear zones in the SE Tibetan Plateau in the late Cenozoic
Wang, Yang, Zhang, Peizhen, Schoenbohm, Lindsay M., Zheng, Wenjun, Zhang, Bo, Zhang, Jinjiang, Zheng, Dewen, Zhou, Renjie and Tian, Yuntao (2018). Two-phase exhumation along major shear zones in the SE Tibetan Plateau in the late Cenozoic. Tectonics, 37 (8), 2675-2694. doi: 10.1029/2018tc004979
2018
Journal Article
Origin and tectonic implications of the Shiquanhe high-Mg andesite, western Bangong suture, Tibet
Liu, Wei-Liang, Huang, Qiang-Tai, Gu, Man, Zhong, Yun, Zhou, Renjie, Gu, Xiao-Dong, Zheng, Hao, Liu, Jing-Nan, Lu, Xing-Xin and Xia, Bin (2018). Origin and tectonic implications of the Shiquanhe high-Mg andesite, western Bangong suture, Tibet. Gondwana Research, 60, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2018.03.017
2018
Conference Publication
Exhumation of the Ladakh batholith, NW India
Zhou, R. (2018). Exhumation of the Ladakh batholith, NW India. Thermochronology and Noble Gas Geochronology and Geochemistry Organisation Conference (TANG3O 2018), Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 22-23 November 2018.
2018
Conference Publication
Emplacement and unroofing of the Ladakh batholith: implications for the evolution of the trans-Himalayan magmatic belt
Zhou, R., Aitchison, J., Lokho, K., Sobel, E., Seward, D., Stojanovic, D., Feng, Y. and Zhao, J. (2018). Emplacement and unroofing of the Ladakh batholith: implications for the evolution of the trans-Himalayan magmatic belt. Australian Geoscience Council Convention, Adelaide, Australia, 14-18 October 2018.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Renjie Zhou is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Fingerprinting critical minerals development in continental margins
This is an exciting PhD opportunity involving industry and government collaboration in Queensland. It aims to develop new workflows in supporting the discovery of critical minerals (tungsten and other related minerals) in Paleozoic (~542 to 252 Ma) magmatic units in NE Queensland. Outcomes will enhance our understanding of magmatic and hydrothermal events associated with mineral deposits in eastern Australia by undertaking research in multi-system geochronology and geochemistry. Multi-laboratory workflows for mineral system characterisation will be developed and tested. Get in touch to learn more about this position.
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Research Projects
I have projects available for Honours, MPhil, and PhD students. Please email me for details.
UQ offers a competitive scholarship package, including full tuition support, stipends, and additional opportunities for tutoring or teaching assistantships. PhD students could commence their studies at UQ in January, April, July, or October. Get in touch if you’re interested in learning more about possible projects with our team.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Master Philosophy
Structural architecture of South DAguilar-Beenleigh Subprovinces: Implications for development of critical infrastructure in Southeast Queensland
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Mojtaba Rajabi
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Doctor Philosophy
Apatite fingerprinting in Iron Oxide-Copper-Gold (IOCG) systems: integrating geochemistry, petrochronology, and Sr-Nd isotopic signatures in the Cloncurry mineral province, Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jianxin Zhao
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Doctor Philosophy
Diamonds in Ophiolites: recycling deep mantle into supra-subduction zones
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jonathan Aitchison
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Geochronological and geochemical constraints on models for convergent Gondwana margins: Delamerian, Mossman and Variscan Orogens
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jonathan Aitchison
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding New Zealand and New Caledonia forearc ophiolites using rare accessory minerals
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jonathan Aitchison
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding early radiolarian evolution: taxonomy, phylogeny and taphonomy through Micro-CT
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jonathan Aitchison
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Renjie Zhou directly for media enquiries about:
- earthquake
- geological hazard
- geological resource
- geology
- mountain building
- plate tectonics
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