Lithosphere dynamics
Composition, Tectonics, and Structure of the Solid Earth

Research Programs:
GeoStructure (Faulting, Fracturing, Thrust belts) http://geostructure.ou.edu
Pegmatopia (pegmatite research) http://pegmatopia.ou.edu
Geophysics
Theoretical Geophysics http://itgweb.ou.edu
Electron Microprobe Laboratory http://research.ou.edu/microprobe/ouemplhome.asp
Earthquake mechanics http://earthquakes.ou.edu

Our group focuses on creation, deformation, and destruction of the lithosphere and the relationships of these processes to plate tectonics, continental deformation, and natural resources. Our interests range from geologic mapping of the uppermost crust to basin-scale tectonics to analysis of the composition of oceanic and continental crust and upper mantle, and to study of the mechanisms of continental formation and evolution. We investigate igneous processes involved in the formation of the earth’s crust, explore the deep structure of the lithosphere, and study the processes that control earthquakes as well as fold-thrust, extensional and strike-slip systems. The methods we apply include surface mapping, subsurface geophysical mapping (seismic and potential field techniques), regional structural analysis, field and laboratory analyses of igneous and metamorphic rocks, and geodynamic modeling. Our objectives are to develop both basic understanding of fundamental lithospheric scale processes and state-of-the-art exploration capabilities that stress a regional perspective. Our research projects span four continents, and the faculty and students participate in several multi-institutional and multi-national projects such as EarthScope (www.earthscope.org) and DOSECC (www.dosecc.org).

Faculty group members:
Evgeni Chesnokov, Seismology
Charles Gilbert, Igneous and Metamorphic Rock Systems
Randy Keller, Lithospheric structure and evolution
David London, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
Shankar Mitra, Structural and Petroleum Geology
John Pigott, Tectonophysics
Ze'ev Reches, Structural Geology, Earthquakes, Rock Mechanics
Barry Weaver, Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
Roger Young, Exploration Geophysics