Earth deformation - structure, kinematics and processes

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Rocks record, to varying degrees, the structure, kinematics (movement history) and processes indicative of the deformation imposed by tectonic events. This record of deformation is, in turn, central to the understanding of both the surface and interior dynamics of Earth and is a component of several areas of earth science research including structural geology, tectonics, geodynamics, mineral physics and neotectonics). The long-term objectives of this research program are three-fold: (1) to develop an understanding of the dynamics of earth deformation as seen in variations over time, and in space, of the record recorded in rocks (2) to determine the underlying causes of and responses to deformation; (3) to develop an internationally competitive research lab for the application of materials science techniques (nanogeology, transmission electron microscopy) to questions of the chemo-mechanical behaviour of rocks and minerals. This process-oriented structural geology research has as an underlying goal the correlation of microscopic chemo-mechanical processes of rock deformation with the larger features produced by global tectonics. The research program utilizes an integrated field and laboratory approach to combine observations into the fullest possible description of Earth dynamics. Our ability to both describe and understand the origins of movements within Earth are an important step toward predicting both immediate and long-term linkages of tectonics to other aspects of the planetary system (e.g. earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, climatic influences, natural hazards).