Project Description
The Rockfish Valley Deformation Zone (RVDZ) in the Blue Ridge of central Virginia preserves intense and localized deformation developed during convergence between Africa and North America ~320 million years ago. The RVDZ is a major structure developed within the crystalline basement of the Blue Ridge province; it has a thickness of at least 3 km and has been traced for over 120 km through central Virginia. These rocks represent an ideal naturally laboratory with which to investigate the rheology and microstructural evolution of mid-crustal shear zones, features essential to the strength and mechanical behavior of continental crust. In this project, we will document spatial variations in the deformation conditions of the RVDZ. Our work will involve literature review, field work, petrographic analysis, and electron-backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis to quantify crystallographic fabrics.
Prerequisites
Students should have completed EEG 200. There are no other requirements, though students will benefit from having taken classes such as Structural Geology and Earth Materials.
Special Comments
This work will involve day trips to visit localities throughout the Blue Ridge.
Project Information (subject to change)
Estimated Start Date: 6/2/2025
Estimated End Date: 7/25/2025
Estimated Project Duration: 8 weeks
Maximum Number of Students Sought: 2
Research Location: Hybrid
Contact Information: Jeffrey Rahl (email: rahlj@wlu.edu)