Research

Our research focuses on the physical-chemical processes that act during rock deformation over the whole range of geological scales and on the structures that form during this deformation. We apply the concepts of continuum mechanics and thermodynamics and generate analytical and numerical solutions to quantify geological processes. We compare and calibrate our models with geological, petrological and geophysical observations, laboratory measurements and physics experiments to apply the models to specific natural conditions. We aim to quantify and reconstruct geological processes, to assess physical rock properties, and to quantify the stress and temperature evolution during lithosphere deformation.

“All models are wrong, but some are useful.” (G. Box)

Some current and past research projects

hydro-mechanical-chemical modelling of dehydration during rock deformation
Generation of olivine veins by dehydration of serpentinite during simple shearing. Results of a 2D numerical hydro-mechanical-chemical model. A) to C) shows evolution of solid density during the reaction from serpentinite to olivine and D) to F) shows the associated generation of porosity. Results are published in Schmalholz et al. (2023).
3D stress distribution around plateaus in a double-curved lithopsphere
3D distribution of differential stress around a continental plateau for different strength distributions in the lithosphere. Panel d) shows results for a strong crust and weak mantle lithosphere, while h) shows results for a strong mantle lithosphere and weaker crust. Results are published in Macherel et al. (2024).
Thermo-tectonic evolution of the lepontine dome
Schematic spatial distribution of new and old (with references) ages for peak-temperature metamorphism. New ages are from zircons in migmatites. Results are published in Tagliaferri et al. (2023).
Thermo-mechanical modelling of syn-convergent (U)HP rock exhumation
Burial and syn-convergent exhumation of continental (ultra)high-pressure rocks during subduction. Results are form a 2D thermo-mechanical model. The animation is courtesy of L. Candioti. Results are published in Vaughan Hammon et al. (2022).
Comparison of observed metamorphic facies distribution (in cross-section view) with numerically calculated metamorphic facies. (a and b) Simplified cross sections of observed metamorphic facies distributions of the Western Alps. (c) Numerically calculated metamorphic facies distribution resulting from a 2D model as shown in the animation above. (d) P-T metamorphic facies grid comparing peak numerical P-T values for all markers (colored in gray) and exhumed markers (colored in white) with representative P-T estimates for major Western Alpine units. The vertical and horizontal scales for the cross sections in panel (a–c) are identical. Results are published in Vaughan Hammon et al. (2022).