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
Charoensawan, J., Adam, L., Ofman, M., et al. (2021). Fracture Shape and Orientation Contributions to P-Wave Velocity and Anisotropy of Alpine Fault Mylonites. Frontiers in Earth Science, 9. DOI
Kirilova, M., Toy, V., Sauer, K., et al. (2020). Micro- and nano-porosity of the active Alpine Fault zone, New Zealand. SOLID EARTH, 11(6), 2425-2438. DOI Author/Publisher URL
Montheil, L., Toy, V. G., Scott, J. M., et al. (2020). Impact of Coseismic Frictional Melting on Particle Size, Shape Distribution and Chemistry of Experimentally-Generated Pseudotachylite. Frontiers in Earth Science, 8. DOI
A Closer Look
Professor Virginia Toy and her team are currently doing 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 New Zealand’s beautiful scenery.
Videos:
New Zealand's Diverse Lithology
