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Structural geology is the study of the deformation of the surface and subsurface of the Earth and other planetary bodies. This deformation reflects past changes in local and regional stress and strain, and can be used to reconstruct past crustal movements and dynamics.
The extent of Indian continental underthrusting beneath Western Tibet influences its moderate-to-rapid exhumation, relative to slow exhumation in Central Tibet, according to thermochronological data and exhumation history modelling.
A synthesis of friction experiments on synthetic olivine-antigorite gouges with prior data indicates effective normal stress governs the depth-dependence of slow earthquakes while architectural maturity selects the scaling laws
Numerical impact modelling suggests that the Isidis impact on Mars likely exposed lower crust and upper mantle rocks and provides criteria for how the Perseverance rover can distinguish them.
Gold can be mobilized by fluids during blueschist–eclogite facies transitions in subduction zones with only partial retention of gold in the mélange zone, according to petrological and geochemical analyses of metamorphic rocks from the Aegean islands
A super-slippery material called graphene oxide was discovered in an active fault for the first time. It may reduce fault friction, helping the fault slip smoothly and potentially explaining unusually low seismic activity.
Complex subduction zone interfaces control plate segmentation along the Nankai Trough with the quieter Tokai segment presenting the greater risk for megathrust earthquakes and tsunamis, according to structural mapping using 3D seismic reflection data.
Complex numerical simulations show how slivers of continental crust in the ocean were shaved from continental margins and then transported by transform fault complexes.
Nephrite jade is a semi-precious gemstone composed of tiny crystals and needles of amphibole. Here, Matthew Tarling and Steven Smith describe how its origins lead to inner toughness and beauty.
While it may feel cold to the touch, Sheng Fan and David Prior explain that ice on Earth is relatively hot. Understanding ‘hot’ ice physics during deformation is critical in determining future sea-level rise.
An article in Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems established a soil gas monitoring approach to identify hydrogen-fertile regions in the Pyrenean foothills.
