My main research interest is the formation of patterns in rocks and large scale landscape evolution during tectonic processes. I am currently working on fracturing and physico-chemical interactions in the upper part of the Earth's crust and on rifting processes with special emphasis on the East African Rift System. Smaller scale structures that I am studying with my group include stylolites, veins, fracture and foliation boudinage, zebra rocks, hydrofractures and rough phase boundaries that develop during stress-driven phase transitions. The main aim is to understand the dynamic development of these patterns through time and to use them as new microtectonic tools. In my research I combine field work, analytical methods, numerical simulations and experiments. My group uses commercial and in-house developed numerical methods (Elle) to study fracturing and physico-chemical interactions as well as large scale lithospheric extension and rift development.

read more >