Group Members
Phil Skemer, Assistant Professor
Jolien Linckens, Postdoctoral Associate
Brandon Mahan, Graduate Student
Hannah Rabinowitz, Undergraduate
updated (3/11/11)
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L to R: Brandon Mahan, Jolien Linckens, Phil Skemer, Hannah Rabinowitz
Our research applies experimental techniques to the study of deformation processes in natural and synthetic rocks. Experimental rock mechanics is integral to Earth and Planetary Science, providing an intermediary between direct observation and theoretical predictions. Our group members are conducting a wide array of experiments on materials ranging from olivine-rich mantle rocks to solute saturated ice. The rock deformation lab has a variety of equipment for the synthesis, deformation, and analysis of planetary materials.
Current Projects
Experimental deformation of coarse grained dunite
A significant challenge in experimental rock deformation is reproducing observations from naturally deformed samples. In this series of experiments, we have sucessfully deformed coarse grained olivine to large strains, to test the effects of initial grain size and initial preferred orientation on microstructural evolution. We are now expanding this study to include the influence of orthopyroxene. |
Development of a new high-pressure torsion apparatus
I am currently in the process of designing a new rock deformation apparatus, based on existing RDA designs, which will facilitate large-strain deformation of mantle materials at lithospheric and asthenospheric conditions. |
Reactivation of pseudotachylites
Pseudotachylites record evidence of melting during seismogenic faulting. The presence of pseudotachylites may have significant consequences for the subesquent mechanical beahavior of a rock. Indeed, it is known from field observations that psuedotachlites may be reativated as low strength ductile shear zones. We are conducting a series of laboratory experiments to determine when and how pseudotachylites are reactivated at high pressure and temperature, to deform by brittle and plastic processes. |
Indentation hardness of ice with varying sediment loads
The mechanical behavior of ice is strongly influenced by the presence of secondary mineral phases. We are conducting experiments on the indentation hardness of ice to provide bases for comparison with observations from the Mars Phoenix Lander and provide new constrains on glacier mechanics. |
Deformation of garnet in UHP peridotites
Garnet is often thought to play an insigificant role in peridotite rheology. Prelimiary analysis of polycrystalline garnet from the Cima di Gagnone peridotite, suggests that garnet in UHP terranes may exhibit more complicated behavior than previously thought. |
Microstructural evolution in peridotite mylonites
Mylonites, or ductile shear zones, contain a wealth of information on the physical processes that accomodate localized deformation. An ongoing study in the Josephine peridote has identified complex feedbacks between microstructure and rheology.
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Views of the Lab
A view of the lab from the thin section prep space
EBSD on the CMI JEOL 7001 FLV
Machine shop equipment
Thin section preparation (saws, polishers, etc.)
Bench space for building experimental charges
Petrographic microscope and macroscope
