Structural Petrology

Research focus

Deformation, crystallization, melt formation and fluid flow control geo-material´s reorganization. Particularly fault zones, in which deformation is extremely localized, are places where all these processes are active. Whereas deeper faults behave plastic the upper regions behave brittle. Frictional melts, displaying seismic faulting, are formed in all parts of the uppermost hundreds of kilometers of the earth. However, non-localized deformation affects material behavior and crystal growth effectively, too.

The major foci of the study group are mountain roots, subduction zones, the earth mantle and ore deposits, which are phantastic examples illustrating the mutual interaction between deformation, crystallization, melt formation and fluid flow.

Leader / Contakt 

apl. Prof. Dr. Uwe Altenberger