My researched is centered on developing a better understanding of the structure, deformation behaviour and evolution of large faults and shear zones over the seismic cycle.

My work explores how the interaction of structure, rock deformation processes, and mineral reactions influences the slip behaviour of faults. Using observational field geology as the foundation of my methodology, I apply a field-to-nanoscale approach, starting at the scale of the mountainside outcrop, and working my way all the way down to the crystal lattice of the minerals within. This multi-scale approach allows me to probe questions across many spatial and temporal orders of magnitude, from the scale of the subduction megathrusts to the geological outcrop, down to a mineral’s crystal lattice, all the while pondering timescales ranging from an entire orogeny to the near-instantaneous earthquake rupture.

Here is (an incomplete) list of few of my project that will grow as I update this site.

Magnetite microstructures

The mineral magnetite is a ubiquitous component of serpentinite shears zones. While it might only makes up 5-15% of the serpentinite, it can often occur at critical sites, like along foliation planes or smeared along slip surfaces.

Magnificent mirrors

Fault mirrors are tectonically polished, highly reflective fault slip surfaces. These mirror-like surfaces form when slip along a fault plane, in combination with a range of possible physical processes (heat, comminution, fluid alteration, production of gels or nanograins), results in a reduction in surface roughness at the scale of the wavelength of visible light (100s of nanometers).

Cracks and carbonation

Carbonation reactions are currently being explored as a potential solution for long-term carbon storage. The principle is simple: react CO2, from the atmosphere or some industrial source, with a mineral to form a new mineral in which the carbon is locked away forever in the crystal lattice.

Cryptic crack-seals

New methodologies in serpentinite micro-structural and -mineralogical Raman mapping has led to the discovery of previous unseen fault rocks textures in crack-seal veins, consisting of alternative bands of lizardite and chrysotile.