LITHOSPHERE

The focus of the Oceanic Lithosphere Tectonics Group is structural and tectonic analysis of rift and transform plate boundaries in oceanic lithosphere. Our approach involves the systematic collection of geological data in order to determine the geometry, chronology, and mode of formation of outcrop-scale deformation structures and their relation to crustal processes that operate on a regional scale. These studies are undertaken in collaboration of geophysicists, petrologists, and geochemists in order to help understand the interplay of various geologic processes during deformation. Integrating the diverse perspectives available from different settings provides a cross-pollination of concepts that might not be possible from a single approach. Synergy with the other research groups in the Department encourages a comprehensive outlook on global tectonics.