| To understand the dynamic behaviour of the outerparts of the solid Earth it is vital to have detailed knowledge about the processes of deformation and metamorphism in the crust and upper mantle. Differences in processes can produce large variations in the properties of crustal and mantle rocks. Aims: 1) To develop improved models for the microstructural evolution, deformation and metamorphic processes and properties of the component parts of the outer solid-Earth. 2) To characterise the nature and conditions which define the lithosphere-asthenosphere transition. Methods: Electron microscopy studies of naturally and experimentally deformed rocks. Field-based projects on flow processes in crustal rocks and upper mantle rocks exposed at the surface. Present topics: Relationships between deformation mechanisms, textures and microstructures in rocks. The effect of melt on properties of mantle rocks. Deformation mechanisms in mantle rocks fromophiolites. Creep of fine-grained olivine. Deformation mechanisms and rheology of lithosphere shear zones. Exhumation of deep mantle rocks. |
