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The High Pressures & Temperatures

Rock Deformation Lab

In the Rock Deformation laboratory at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev we study the dynamic processes in Earth's layers, from the shallow crust to the deep mantle.

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Utilizing a range of advanced experimental and analytical techniques, we delve into the micro to nano-scale aspects of the fundamental physics governing the deformation of Earth's layer-forming minerals. These deformation processes carry significant implications for the behavior of geological faults, earthquakes and the seismic cycle, the rigid lithosphere and underneath mantle flow and regions of plate interaction behind large-scale phenomena such as plate collision or divergence in subduction zones and continental rifts.

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THE RESEARCH

The Earth is a dynamic body with active plate tectonics, mechanically and compositionally stratified layers, and regions of decoupling between adjacent rock bodies. The research done at the Rock Deformation Lab at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev is focused on the diverse mechanical response of different minerals under a wide range of pressure and temperature conditions and their imprint on the rock’s microstructure. Through the mechanical and microstructural data, we wish to understand the underlying physics of large-scale processes such as the slip-along faults and the seismic cycle and flow of rocks at large depths within the Earth (i.e., creep, aseismic flow).

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3-D Electron Backscatter Diffraction of a peridotite mantle sample from Wyoming, USA (LabDCT technology at Xnovo Technology)

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We're looking for motivated students to join our team! If you're interested please contact us.

THE LAB

We use two main apparatuses - triaxial and indentation - to generate deformation at high pressures under various deformation regimes and thermo-chemical conditions. (I) The new-generation solid-medium apparatus (Griggs-type) is a triaxial deformation apparatus designed to simulate conditions down to ~100 km depth (temperatures up to 1300°C and pressures up to 3 GPa). (II) Nanoindentation Sm@rt device (SURFACE), with the capability to generate very high local stresses (and pressures) under a range of temperatures and various indentation tests.  

Group pictures

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2024

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2021

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2022

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2023

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2020

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2019

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