Our research is focussed on the analysis of small scale structures (see page with examples) in rocks such as folds, boudins, shear bands, porphyroclasts etc... Our aim is to understand the development of such structures and to use them as "tools" for the reconstruction of large scale tectonic settings. For example, the geometry and rotational component of ductile flow in rocks influences the geometry of small scale structures, and this geometry can therefore be used as a "kinematic indicator" to reconstruct the geometry of flow in rocks.

Field-oriented projects:

We study a large number of small-scale structures in selected areas with simple, well controlled deformation - here we obtain samples for microstructural analysis and test results of experiments.

Experimental work:

Unfortunately, it is not possible to grow small scale structures with the material and under the same conditions as in real rocks; deformation in rocks is extremely slow, and a real-time experiment would last thousands or even millionsof years !! Also, the high pressure and temprature conditions realised in deforming rocks are difficult to generate in large samples. Therefore, we specialise in two other lines of experiments:

• Analogue-modelling:

Here we try to mimick the development of small scale structures by deformation of rock analogue analogue materials at atmospheric pressure and low temperature in small presses under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Although these materials used in these experiments are not rocks, correct "scaling" can give useful results. New experiments include Sandbox models to study fault pattterns and block rotations in the East African Rift System.

• Numerical modelling:

Here we try to mimick the development of small scale structures by computer modelling where we simulate the onditions of rock deformation; in the computer, we can speed up the deformation process to "human" scale. We have developed new lithospheric scale models to study rift development and rift-flank uplift. If you are interested in our work, if you can contribute data or wish to participate in any of our projects, please contact us at one of our e-mail numbers. (Choose topic "Members")

Development of "Intelligent GIS"

Together with the University of Toulouse and the geological Survey of Canada, we are developing software that will make ordinary GIS programs, which normally only serve to store geological data, into "intelligent" programs that can filter out geological errors before they are entered in the maps . This initiative is part of a larger research effort of Mainz University known as CARNS (computer assisted methods in the natural sciences)

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