The Tectonics and Structural Geology group at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz is part of the Institute of Geosciences.
The group’s major scientific interests are
- Rheology of faults and shear zones in the crust and mantle lithosphere
- SW Pacific tectonics
- Resilience to geological hazards, and resource sustainability
- Big data management and analysis
- International research and exchange projects on climate change and earth resources within the europe-wide network FORTHEM
Methods we commonly employ in our research include
- Microstructural and textural analysis based on optical and electron microscope datasets (EBSD, EPMA, TEM), and synchrotron analyses
- Image analysis, particularly of 3D datasets (e.g. computed tomography, photogrammetry)
- Scientific drilling
- Field mapping and sampling
- Computational simulations
- Experimental rock deformation
Most Recent Publications
Ferenczy, S., Hawemann, F., and Toy, V. (2025). Pseudotachylyte Diversity in the Ivrea-Verbano Zone: Insights into Crustal Rheology from DIVE Drill Core DT-1A. In Copernicus GmbH. DOI
Mansouri, H., Elyaszadeh, R., Toy, V., et al. (2025). Deformation Mechanisms and Strain Localization in Ultramafic Rocks: Insights from the Balmuccia and Finero Peridotites, Ivrea-Verbano Zone. In Copernicus GmbH. DOI
Clarke, A., Fenske, S., Toy, V. (2025). A Glimpse into the Subduction Zone Plate Interface: 3D structural and mechanical mapping of the Chrystalls Beach mélange, New Zealand. In Copernicus GmbH. DOI
A Closer Look
Research in New Zealand: Have a look at the diverse lithology, accompany the team taking Alpine Fault samples and examining the slip zone between the Pacific and the Australian Plate – and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Videos:
New Zealand's Diverse Lithology
