Projects 3
Publications 5
Awards 0

Contact Details

Lecturer in Geoscience

Biography

I am a researcher in structural geology, tectonics and geodynamics. My research combines field geology with numerical modelling, microstructural analysis, and landscape evolution modelling to investigate the dynamic processes driving lithospheric deformation. The Earth is a complex system, and studying the evolution of the Earth's landscapes requires complex tools. By combining traditional methods with sophisticated numerical models that leverage the power of modern high-performance computers, we can investigate processes that will help address pressing global challenges including critical mineral supply and the response of landscapes and ecosystems to environmental change. Collaborations with industry and government connect this foundational research to practical challenges.

My research centers on two complementary themes: (1) dynamic crustal deformation and tectonic processes driving critical mineral enrichment, and (2) the interplay between tectonics, landscape evolution, and biodiversity. I focus on a range of deformation processes including orogenesis, rifting, inversion and gravity-driven flow.

I am also interested in the development of FAIR research infrastructure, including the community-driven, open-source StraboSpot ecosystem, which enables researchers to collect, store, and share spatially referenced geologic data across scales, both in the field and in the lab. 

I welcome enquiries from prospective Honours and HDR students interested in structural geology, tectonics, and numerical modelling.

Research

Research Interests

  • Precambrian tectonics
  • Rifting and Orogenesis processes
  • Gravity-driven deformation
  • Interactions between tectonics, atmospheric processes and landscape evolution
  • Tectonic processes driving mineral enrichment

Projects

Teaching

Taught Modules

Current Honours and External Research Students

From distributed to narrow rifting: a thermomechanical modelling approach
HONOURS- 2026

Activities

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Education

Associations

Employment

Outreach

Output

Ibrahim, Youseph; Rey, Patrice F. (2026) 'From wide rifts to orogens: A new perspective for Proterozoic tectonics'. Geology, 54 (4):306-310. [DOI]
Journal Publication Open Access ResearchOnline@JCU
Tu, Addison; Zahirovic, Sabin; Polanco, Sara; Boone, Samuel C.; Boyd, Matt; Mallard, Claire; Restrepo, Pedro; Ibrahim, Youseph; Mahoney, Luke; Salles, Tristan; McInnes, Brent; Farahbakhsh, Ehsan; Kohlmann, Fabian; Seton, Maria; Müller, Dietmar R. (2025) 'Predicting the preservation of buried ore deposits using deep-time landscape evolution modeling'. Science Advances, 11 (48). [DOI]
Journal Publication Open Access ResearchOnline@JCU
Ibrahim, Youseph; Rey, Patrice F.; Whitney, Donna L.; Teyssier, Christian; Roger, Francois; Bosse, Valerie; Cenki, Benedicte (2024) 'From dome to duplex: Convergent gravitational collapse explains coeval intracratonic doming and nappe tectonics, central Australia'. Geology, 52 (3):210-215. [DOI]
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Ibrahim, Youseph; Rey, Patrice F. (2023) 'The Role of Isostasy in the Evolution and Architecture of Fold and Thrust Belts'. Lithosphere, 203 . [DOI]
Journal Publication Open Access ResearchOnline@JCU
Zahirovic, Sabin; Salles, Tristan; Müller, Dietmar; Gurnis, Michael; Cao, Wenchao; Braz, Carmen; Harrington, Lauren; Ibrahim, Youseph; Garrett, Rhiannon; Williams, Simon; Chen, Anqing; Hou, Mingcai; Ogg, James G. (2019) 'From Paleogeographic maps to Evolving Deep-time Digital Earth models' Acta Geologica Sinica, 93 (S3) :73-75. [DOI]
Journal Contribution ResearchOnline@JCU