Lower left: Petrographic microscope Upper right: Big screen TV

Here at the University of Maryland we have all the facilities necessary to undertake research in tectonics. Our facilities include:

• Petrographic microscopes with both transmitted and reflected light and high-resolution cameras. We can project images from one of the microscopes onto a Hitachi big screen TV for teaching purposes. (see photo right)
• Electron Probe Microanalyzer Facility
• Fluid Dynamics Laboratory
• GIS Laboratory
• Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory
• Laboratory for Crustal Petrology
• Laboratory for Rock Physics
• Plasma Mass Spectrometry Laboratory
• Rock Preparation and Mineral Separation Facilities
• Stable Isotope Laboratory
• X-Ray Crystallography Laboratory

(click for larger image) Inelastic behavior and failure mode of porous Bentheim sandstone with pre-existing shear fault. At an effective pressure of 50 MPa, stable sliding along the pre-existing fault is observed. However, with increasing confining pressure, movement along the fault zone is inhibited and compaction localization occurs. The compaction bands generally initiate at the pre-existing fault and gradually develop into a series of bands intersecting the fault.

Laser confocal image of Hertizian fracture and grain crushing in porous sandstone.