Skip to main
Atmospheric science
George Mason University

Structural Geology and Tectonics Research

Page Structural Geology and Tectonics Research

Map of Indo-Burman accretionary prism motion
Shaded relief map showing the Indo-Burman accretionary prism expanding westward into the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta. Blue arrows show India-Asia convergence velocity across the forearc. From Betka et al., 2018, EPSL; Steckler et al., 2016, Nat. Geos.

Structural Geology and Tectonics research involves studying the rates, timing, mechanics, and styles of deformation of the Earth’s lithosphere in response to the motion of its tectonic plates. Doing so requires integrating several geoscience disciplines such as field studies and mapping, qualitative and quantitative methods of structural analysis, basin analysis, microscopy, geo- and thermochronology, geodetics, remote sensing, and numerical modeling.

Ongoing Research Projects (faculty)

  • Structure and tectonic evolution of the Indo-Burman Ranges accretionary prism, northeast India, Bangladesh and Myanmar (Betka)
  • Tectonic evolution of the eastern Himalayan Syntaxis (Betka)
  • Structural Evolution of the Totschunda-Denali Fault system, Alaska (Betka)
  • Quantifying off-fault inelastic strain, Sandia Crest New Mexico (Betka)
  • Structural analysis of back-arc basin inversion and mid-crustal thickening, Patagonia, Chile (Betka)

Student Opportunities

Student opportunities described below; contact the indicated faculty for details. 

Undergraduate Research Opportunities 

Undergraduates may work with faculty on the above research projects, or on projects developed independently by the student, supported by OSCAR or as independent research credits. 

 

Graduate Research Opportunities 

Graduates may work with faculty on the research projects with support from a GRA (when available), a College of Science GTA, or a successful Graduate Fellowship.