The Clavaniev Zone is located between the Aar and the Tavetsch Massifs and is interpreted as major deformation zone. The fault gouges and related tectonites should be mapped on a small scale (100m scale) using drone imaging. Some fault gouges display spectacular mirror planes potentially being indicative for near surface seismic slip. These samples can be stabilized and analyzed microscopically in terms of deformation geometries and processes. This includes detailed SEM work and detecting the newly formed phases by XRD. In addition, some AFM investigations might be possible. The natural microstructures can be compared to microstructures from experimentally deformed granitoid gouges. The final goal of the project is to identify evidence for paleo-earthquakes in the rock record.
Advisors: Prof. Marco Herwegh, Prof. Alfons Berger
University: BE