About the Center

The Center for Tectonophysics is an interdisciplinary research group initiated in 1967 for dual purposes: to undertake basic and applied research of both natural and man-induced rock deformation processes and the broad range of geologic structures formed, and to provide research support, training, and mentoring of graduate students and post-doctoral fellows pursuing advanced studies in the area of tectonophysics. The John W. Handin Laboratory for Experimental Rock Deformation is the centerpiece of the research program and has a broad variety of experimental systems allowing studies of deformation and transport behavior of rock at physical and chemical states simulating surface to upper mantle conditions.