Deformation, Fluids and Tectonics

Study of the processes that control rock deformation and the tectonic and geodynamic evolution of the Earth’s lithosphere.

Our research integrates fieldwork, geological mapping, and advanced analytical techniques, adopting a multidisciplinary and multiscale approach that combines microscopic observations, structural data, and geodynamic models.

Research areas

Reconstruction of the evolutionary history of active and fossil orogens.
Analysis of brittle and ductile structures to unravel the fundamental mechanisms of deformation.
Study of fault architecture and its implications for the localization of deformation, seismogenesis, and upper-crustal fluid circulation.
Timing of deformation, denudation, and exhumation through radiometric dating (K-Ar, Ar-Ar) and fission-track analysis.
Applications of remote sensing, GIS, digital mapping, and ground-penetrating radar to structural and tectonic studies.
Investigation of feedbacks between deformation, fluid flow, and metallogenesis.
Structural studies supporting the design of deep geological repositories for radioactive waste disposal.
Analysis of fault patterns in seismically active areas.
Structural geological investigations for seismic hazard, microzonation and site-effect assessment.

People

Riccardo Asti

Junior assistant professor (fixed-term)

keywords: Tectonics, Structural geology, Field geology, Detachment faults, Mantle exhumation, Active tectonics,

Luigi Cantelli

Assistant professor

keywords: Tectonics, TransAlp, GIS, Geological mapping, 3d reconstruction, UAV photogrammetry, TLS

Rossella Capozzi

Associate Professor

keywords: Mud volcanoes, Methane-derived Carbonate, Cold seeps, Petroleum system, Sequence stratigraphy, Paleoproductivity,

Paolo Garofalo

Associate Professor

keywords: Mineral deposits, Hydrothermal fluids, Fluid inclusions, Mass transfer in hydrothermal systems, Skarn-epithermal ore

Lorenzo Gemignani

Junior assistant professor (fixed-term)

keywords: Sedimentary systems, In situ and detrital thermochronology, Tectonics, erosion, and climate interactions

Francesco Giuntoli

Fixed-term Researcher in Tenure Track L. 79/2022

keywords: Structural geology, Deformation mechanisms, Fluid-rock interactions, Metamorphic petrology, Geological mapping,

Gianluca Vignaroli

Associate Professor

keywords: Structural geology, Tectonics and Geodynamics, Metamorphic geology, Fluids-structures interaction, Mineralisation and

Giulio Viola

Full Professor