Facilities

The Center for Tectonophysics has a number of laboratories for measuring, sampling, and processing experiments, as well as computer facilities.

The John W. Handin Laboratory for Experimental Rock Deformation is the centerpiece of the research program and provides a variety of experimental systems allowing study of deformation and transport behavior of rock at physical and chemical states simulating surface to upper mantle conditions. The laboratory is equipped with more than a dozen testing machines to deform rock and measure physical properties, controlled environment chambers, sensors and digital data acquisition systems, a rock repository, sample preparation equipment, and a machine shop. Graduate students, visiting scientists, research scientists, and faculty use the laboratory for research and teaching activities.

The Center also manages the Mel Friedman Petrofabrics Laboratory and Sowers Library to support teaching and research activities. The Friedman laboratory is dedicated to the study of deformation textures of naturally and experimentally deformed rocks.