The tectonophysics group at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz is part of the Geology department of the Institute of Geosciences . Its main scientific interest is in microstructural and rheological analysis of deformed rocks. In the laboratory deformation experiments are performed on rock analogue aggregates "in-situ" under the microscope as well as with polymer fluids. Numerical modeling of small-scale structures is carried out with programs such as ELLE, BASIL, FLAC and PFC. Laboratory experiments and numerical modelling are complemented by field studies all over the globe.