Research activities
My research focuses on the rheology and deformation processes of rocks that compose the lithosphere, particularly in a context of sub-solidus viscous strain localization. My main investigations cover crust and mantle deformations through structural geology and deformation experiments using various techniques, including the EBSD and Griggs-type apparatus. The main goal is motivated by a fundamental interest to improve our knowledge of the lithosphere dynamics, which shapes the surface of the solid earth.
Most of my contributions concern micro-structural investigations in the Ronda peridotites (Betics, Spain) and Cyclades granites (Naxos and Ikaria, Greece), but also the recent development of a new rock deformation lab devoted to the solid-medium Griggs-type apparatus. Based on the piston-cylinder technology, this technique is an easy-access facility that offers the capacities to deform any material at temperatures (up to 1000 °C) and pressures (up to 4 GPa) of the lithosphere.