ERS - Department of Earth Sciences

Jeffrey H. Marsh

PhD Student
Graduate Research Assistant

Address:

5790 Bryand Global Sciences Center
Room: 205A
Tel: (207) 581 2028
Fax: (207) 581 2202
E-Mail: Jeff_Marsh@umit.maine.edu


Research Interests:

I am interested in a wide range of topics in structural geology, petrology, and tectonics. My current research is focused on understanding the grain-scale processes which cause deformation to become localized within crustal shear zones. This involves detailed field mapping of ancient shear zones exposed in the roots of exhumed mountain belts, and microstructural/petrologic analysis of rocks preserving various degrees of strain across theses zones. Data are gathered from field samples using traditional petrography and other rapidly developing micro-analytical techniques so that individual and coupled physicochemical processes can be identified. Consequently, details on the relationships among fluid-rock interaction, reaction kinetics, and deformation mechanisms that are active during shear zone evolution are elucidated.

I am currently working on Paleozoic transcurrent shear zones in Maine, USA and Newfoundland, Canada, and on Proterozoic thrust- and normal-sense shear zones in the Grenville province of Ontario, Canada. These structures represent ancient analogs for mid-crustal segments of the San Andreas Fault system and major Himalayan faults, respectively. Information gleaned from these investigations can be incorporated into rheological and geodynamic models that provide important information on the driving forces for lithosphere-scale tectonics. Check out my personal website or the U Maine Geodynamics and Crustal Studies group website for more information.