https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/geology-figures daily 0.75 2021-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1612326713094-A57TC65IHQ89ASC5R7I2/Fig4_concept2_v5.1.jpg geology figures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1612326713094-A57TC65IHQ89ASC5R7I2/Fig4_concept2_v5.1.jpg geology figures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1612326722710-L09932OL3JDFO0FXLMBO/Fig3_recosntruction_stretch_v5.1.jpg geology figures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1612326722052-ZVDQ4H73PGP7IBU6KUSH/Fig2_kinematics_v5.1.jpg geology figures https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/home daily 1.0 2026-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/8c2f9e07-c351-49b2-92e9-c5c258d3e7f3/IMG_0419.jpg Home Appalachian State University Students mapping in Death Valley, California, January 2026. Photo credit: Gavin McCall, B.S. Geology student, Appalachian State University. https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/about daily 0.75 2026-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/7942a746-8741-4ebc-b3c7-7b0b09f61a62/headshot_lutz_2025.png About - I’m very grateful to do what Iove - study Earth structure and tectonics and teach students in a field-based environment. As the Field Camp Director at Appalachian State University, I support a number of excellent field-based geoscience learning opportunities. The courses I teach focus on traditional geologic mapping, structural geology, and interpretation of geologic history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/b5248d43-9955-4f13-b77f-d02273809d2a/IMG_0508-.jpg About - Field Geology is one of my passions. Here is photo of my students learning to map around Texas Spring in Death Valley, January 2026 https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/research daily 0.75 2023-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/12dd8c03-fe81-4285-9c8b-83ceab4a3b13/Fig_A.3_boone.png Research Overview - Basin-scale 3D modeling High-resolution, basin-scale 3D structural modeling using ca. 20,000 subsurface datapoints and surface geologic constraints: project link https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1570037274471-2YBRYD1TA56TZFHP406Q/ezgif.com-optimize.gif Research Overview - GPLATES used to model intraplate deformation project link here https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605577468428-NMAWFK47DEAI69MM90MN/Fig09_CAT_micrograph%25404x-100.jpg Research Overview - Fault mechanics project link here https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/93d63bcd-b11b-4694-b552-24f26d557387/Fig05_cat_field.png Research Overview - Field study of fault rocks Field photos of co-seismic cataclasites formed along a low-angle normal fault. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605556781091-YJQB9D92PPEZ1PJ292YM/bcd_ISOTHERMS_750MS.gif Research Overview - Thermo-kinematic modeling project link here https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605546132481-G3K4030S714SSEILHI3Q/Fig11_coolinghist_22.5h.jpg Research Overview thermo-kinematic modeling cooling histories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/ec49f73c-b268-4ade-bbc7-745aeb23334f/Layout_A5_thrust.jpg Research Overview - Make it stand out Details digital geologic mapping from high-resolution LIDAR : project link https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/70b8b3d7-a3d5-4421-a140-647504550b7e/Fig15_concept%40250x.png Research Overview - Drainage fragmentation and endemic species evolution Project link. https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/new-page daily 0.75 2026-03-27 https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/new-page-2 daily 0.75 2026-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1612325840030-3VMHXYK4NHMK2IUR0JM6/Fig1_maps_hs_v5.1.jpg Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting - Whole-lithosphere shear is defined by offset features that span the upper crust to the Moho and the LAB; All have post-8-6 Ma dextral offset of ~55-60 km. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605890477310-0KD5MS21WJ8KK06Y2EGG/4n6mbd_lowRES.gif Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting - A GPlates reconstruction of intraplate deformation was prodcued by re-aligning thrust plates (colors) & Miocene offset features (black polygons) between the Sierra Nevada (pink; left) & the Colorado Plateau (black; right) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605544423543-UMN3G1KBVZHKBYRDJ7JI/Fig1_map.jpg Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting Thrust plates and offset features in the west-central Basin and Range province, USA Cordillera. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620242544556-R8N1RJBPCHJIQK887JUO/Fig_DR1.jpg Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620242545316-U6U34EJ2MU9FECJ0HBUZ/Fig_DR3_reconstruction.jpg Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605843174342-AAB8BL8KLECTCNECJHMY/basins.gif Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting - Extensional basin evolution with time in the central Basin and Range based on our kinematic model and the reconstructed positions of diachronous unconformities https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605843480693-2RC0FOH0FW44CNE1NCDT/points.gif Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting - Crustal stretching factors are estimated from tracked points within a deforming mesh, where dilatational strain is iteratively calculated. Red is high stretching and blue is low https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594694581-MHQPLPVSBODC1Y83ANZO/Fig01_overview_1.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594695224-TCID5F4R8CCXIPVB65LZ/Fig02_thrustplates_map.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594695528-X3SL5MYV0Y5UHYNR8U06/Fig03_thrusts_reconstructed.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594698461-RT37H5MUHWVN9ZERHSRM/Fig04_ModelBlocks.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594696353-Q3VJ2PLVB4Y9R1V6YAMU/Fig05_WMF_OVF_.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594697348-BNEK73MVDYG6FDTFDJIV/Fig06_HMF_SV_area.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594698080-IB0UJPB2VXDFED55SRXA/Fig07_PV_area.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594699583-KL0SXZNPWO90T73BK2FD/Fig08_DV_area_kin.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594699014-BBSXC3Y5BYRL0RRM6PKD/Fig09_FCF_kinematics.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594700190-H8OA9FYYN6GW951TIUXE/Fig10_FLV_kinplots.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594700522-KFKB8ORGLGT59J100LXS/Fig11_PahrumpV_area.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594701958-JB95I4TCZL616BKEVOEQ/Fig12_NE_DV_BCD.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594701747-UFVSDJIDU4DHM8PTC1ZK/Fig13_garlock.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594702286-GB1PYB63X1TKHVE4W4VX/Fig14_kinematics_result.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594702854-4H4FG9N5VR1M6BIKO5B7/Fig15A_vectors_16_08.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594702880-1TNTGVF6DKJBIN6GO1SR/Fig15B_vectors_8_0.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594704332-3514YM1ERXKTI3W6PZUB/Fig16_recon.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594703554-ZGJKOVN3UQO2I45NNI5H/Fig17_stretch.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594704447-ZF9Y6SBNXOS7795JYX0R/Fig18_extrusion.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594704889-82M3XJJRZ0DO2VJZFSV1/Fig19_extrusionplot.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594705088-DOYG0AWL0BMK0U8VT5ME/Fig20_timline.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1665594706425-13GMR5RDPNK5L2Z975YT/Fig21_microplates.png Whole-lithosphere rupture during oblique rifting https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/thermokinematic-modeling-of-detachment-faulting daily 0.75 2021-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605541435922-XDF9IHG53DWPUYBEN1UW/bcd_KIN_750MS.gif Thermo-kinematic modeling Step-wise kinematic reconstruction of detachment faulting in the Death Valley region, showing two detachments, with tracking of thermo-chronometers (white dots) from one detachment footwall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605545220367-65BEHYJTNOT04MVSA66Z/Fig01_overview%40500x-100.jpg Thermo-kinematic modeling We modeled the kinematic and thermal evolution of two detachment faults (BCD & OHD) in this western salient of the USA Cordilleran MCC belt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605545457819-X31MV8IGCPERZV1KL4EM/Fig03_kinematica.jpg Thermo-kinematic modeling - 1-Myr kinematic time-steps The kinematic time-steps show the evolution of extension and footwall exhumation during rapid Miocene detachment faulting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605545615424-SE4NO4RUX7BEZTHE6887/Fig03_kinemaitcb.jpg Thermo-kinematic modeling - The Cordilleran thrust belt is reconstructed and reveals new thrusts that were reactivated or cross-cut by the Miocene detachments https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605545708524-LHDQ54OEGITLKH9WRKRN/Fig06_MC_balance.jpg Thermo-kinematic modeling - Mid-crustal velocity vectors were generated from the upper-crustal reconstructions using various area-balancing schemes (thanks to Rich Ketcham, UT Austin) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605545871711-61QOIE1XUUP8IANAGX6M/Fig05_FEMsetup_22.5h.jpg Thermo-kinematic modeling - A finite-element model was created to simulate advective and conductive heat transport and track thermo-chronometer sample locations through temp-time space https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605545994559-MIOQWIW28R2FI84BTYQI/Fig07_colormaps22.5hA.jpg Thermo-kinematic modeling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605546132481-G3K4030S714SSEILHI3Q/Fig11_coolinghist_22.5h.jpg Thermo-kinematic modeling - Thermal histories of tracked sample locations in detachment footwall are used to calculate model cooling ages, which are matched to existing data https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605546254119-DCM15CA5X3IYBN43WFBL/Fig09_agevsX_22.5h.jpg Thermo-kinematic modeling - Model cooling ages are matched to existing cooling ages along the detachment footwall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605546353859-T8B6EAKANUW5VAUVF6PK/Fig12_BPT_reconstruction.jpg Thermo-kinematic modeling - Exhumed ductile shear zones from the detachment footwall are used in tandem with the thermo-kinematic model solutions to locate the brittle-plastic transition through time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605546542862-41AYEAQ1DE5XKIL960YU/Fig13_occlusion_22.5h.jpg Thermo-kinematic modeling - A weak mid-crustal layer existed prior to and during detachment faulting, but was subsequently “occluded” (Wernicke, 1992) or “annealed” (Pérez‐Gussinyé and Reston, 2001) due to thinning, exhumation, and cooling https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/tectonic-fragmentation-of-drainages daily 0.75 2023-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/70b8b3d7-a3d5-4421-a140-647504550b7e/Fig15_concept%40250x.png Tectonic fragmentation of drainages - Conceptual model for fault-controlled drainage fragmentation in the southern Great Basin, SW USA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620074553894-LBDPCB12KB9X458OB3X7/Fig1_Miocene.jpg Tectonic fragmentation of drainages https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620074554157-E2I9YWE6613N7ETLEV5I/Fig2_map_V8.jpg Tectonic fragmentation of drainages https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620074642079-W1BQK2K94NILZQU4R2MO/Fig8_new.jpg Tectonic fragmentation of drainages https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620074554681-J2LGY7RGSBU965C0533R/Fig3_HMB.jpg Tectonic fragmentation of drainages https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620074610782-8D7QFFNAEFIZF1IJIFZB/Fig7_Drymtn.jpg Tectonic fragmentation of drainages https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620074834343-VFZAMDVGZF9LGBQ6RWLH/Fig4_GG.jpg Tectonic fragmentation of drainages https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620074834364-GEGYRXE20G898B54FX57/Fig5_CH_test.jpg Tectonic fragmentation of drainages https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620074835359-AQEO55EIP73L2UAHSBR2/Fig6_SC1.jpg Tectonic fragmentation of drainages https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605567705172-Q33XZD46PDSRN0HGU1WL/Fig_ideograms.jpg Tectonic fragmentation of drainages - Paired detrital K-feldspar & zircon Age probability spectra indicate source areas for grains in alluvial fans around Death Valley. Fans were derived in part from the Cottonwood Mountains (see figs. above), and two lie east of Death Valley. Thus, the fans pre-date the formation of Death Valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620075135568-SPLFOLCHB8ZMVO7LQECZ/Fig10_spectra_HMB.jpg Tectonic fragmentation of drainages https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620075135609-QZ5OMMBFFI0QNBGF5CRP/Fig12_NB_spectrum.jpg Tectonic fragmentation of drainages https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620075136147-AHQ8JDVP3NA6CJXAIESH/Fig11_DRyMTN_spectra.jpg Tectonic fragmentation of drainages https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620096872726-0TJSDQWMV3TLE26YUKVE/Fig13_strat_reduced.jpg Tectonic fragmentation of drainages - Stratigraphic correlation diagrams of Mio-Pliocene sections demonstrating the timing of fluvial connections that predated the modern, hydrologically-isolated basins in the region. Bold text are new dates from this study. https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/mechanics-of-heterogeneous-faults daily 0.75 2024-05-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/8c8c1450-3bff-4dfe-b943-e6b9609bbd24/GraphicalAbstract.jpg Mechanics of heterogeneous faults Graphical abstract for in review paper on fault mechanics of the Boundary Canyon detachment, Death Valley area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/c4b5f531-6da6-42a2-8803-f3215029d4cc/Fig01_map.png Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - The study area Is NE of Death Valley, within the Funeral and Grapevine Mountains. The detachment fault core was studied in detail at seven distinct sites along the surface trace. Exposures reveal a heterogeneous suite of fault rocks that record slip at different depths and temperatures during fault evolution. Using my thermo-kinematic model of the fault exhumation, the different fault rocks are placed into paleo-mechanical context. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/73e4d87b-a3a6-45a3-99ae-2d8f6a264d17/Fig03_mylonite_field.png Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - Field photos showing some of the mylonites exposed along the fault surface trace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/507ed7a6-28cc-4ca3-aae7-adda173e7730/Fig02_sections_1.png Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - Fault cores were measured and sampled at different locations along the detachment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/7b9683a4-0caf-46b6-9d4f-1df9fdb48544/Fid_A.1_XRD_06_01.png Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - Make it stand out The mineralogy of gouge zones and wall rocks was determined using XRD. These results help understand the possible friction along the fault where gouge-controlled friction, but also help us estimate the relative contribution of footwall vs hanging wall protoliths to the gouge zones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/8294e822-cd53-47cf-986c-3751e5acf640/Fig04_mylonite_micro.png Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - Brittle-ductile mylonites Field photos showing mylonites (mostly calc-mylonites) exposed along the NW surface trace of the BCD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/515ad13d-6b56-4960-9fb5-158e28d908d9/Fig04_mylonite_micro.png Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - Microstructure of brittle-ductile mylonite layers. Calcite twinning, dilatant jog filled with cataclasite. Measurements of dynamically recrystallized grains for piezometry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/e16e0433-866c-455b-90c7-f7c0bf9aec6e/Fig06_cat_field.png Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - Cataclasites provide evidence of cosiesmic slip in the deep brittle crust. These rocks have textures consistent with granular flow and were emplaced as bands subparallel to pre-existing foliations (A-C) and as injection veins (D). They have a distinct hematite coating that may represent rapid heat flux and decarbonation of the calc-mylonite and schistose protoliths. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605577008729-522SJV16OEJ1H6WCW9LA/Fig09_CAT_micrograph%25404x-100.jpg Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - Reactivation of inherited mylonitic fabrics is the mechanism for generation of the cataclasites. This is observed from the outcrop to microscopic scales. Reactivation and embrittlement was focused near strength contrasts both within the mylonites (e.g., quartz porphyroclasts) and within the section (e.g., breccia-mylonite contacts) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605577239521-X6JOC1NFHH8UMUG79TTN/Fig09_CAT_micrograph%25404x-100.jpg Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - Cataclasite zones have complex embayments, aligned tabular wall-rock clasts, bent micas in S-C’-preferred orientation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1605577468428-NMAWFK47DEAI69MM90MN/Fig09_CAT_micrograph%25404x-100.jpg Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - Elemental maps of cataclasite generation surfaces show high-K zone localized shear fragmental and comminuted qtz grains & secondary calcite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/e5a2be45-982f-4255-87c5-62cd63771be6/Fig12_microfaulting_R1.png Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - Make it stand out Mutually overprinting cataclasite injection veins and ultramylonite (B). Interpreted to represent cyclic coseismic slip (brown-red stuff) followed by plastic flow (mylonite) near the brittle ductile transitions zone where earthquakes nucleated along this low-angle normal fault. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/7820f544-41a0-4587-abae-71eebbec2abb/Fig_C.2_pyrite_hematite.png Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - Make it stand out pyrite is preferentially converted to hematite in brittle-deformed domains of the footwall mylonites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/5986b9a2-0883-403b-9c2a-124db890a6c2/Fig13_pressureshadows.png Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - Strain fringes of pyrite and hematite are unidirectional around this injection vein. They point upward, suggesting formation during fluid injection and upward-directed active deformation around the injection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/de3ec1b9-f726-4c8d-9a00-61c1c7ac0cf0/Fig07_gouge_field.png Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - Illite-rich gouge was observed and sampled along most of the surface trace. This gouge is mostly foliated, but some gouge zones are structureless and pulverized, containing clasts of foliated gouge within them. This supports coseismic slip, possibly via dynamic rupture propogation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/83e7065f-7e7b-4ea6-b9ad-218df3a793a3/Fig15_stressmodels.png Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - Mechanical transitions along the reconstructed fault. Mineral phases within and microstructure of the fault rocks are used to infer the frictional properties and temperatures of formation, based on comparison to published laboratory experiments. Combination with thermo-kinematic models allows depth intervals of different mechanical behavior to be mapped on the existing fault. Simple 2D static stress models were developed to estimate stress at various depths along the reconstructed fault. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/9750e2e8-3d46-4620-90db-1f32ad1573d1/Fig09_Tt_mechanic_.png Mechanics of heterogeneous faults - The earthquake nucleation zone shallowed and thinned with fault slip due to elevated geotherm during footwall exhumation. The thin earthquake nucleation zone may help explain the rarity of large-magnitude earthquakes on seismically active analogues to the Boundary Canyon detachment. https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/3d-fault-structural-analysis daily 0.75 2023-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/2501c7b6-6785-4d5e-9e9c-731653ad6732/WMFZ_swarm.png 3D fault structure - The 1986 Chalfant Valley Earthquake Hillshade map of the Northern Owens Valley showing the White Mountains fault zone and hypocenters of the Chalfant Valley earthquake sequence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/fdac2fa3-956c-4352-841e-62d05663fe32/WMFZ_Mapview_clip.png 3D fault structure - 3D modeling reveals that the extensional basin lies in the upper plate of a listric low-angle fault. Beneath this fault lies a complicated suite of intersecting faults that together accommodate NW-directed transtension. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/bc23cfc8-80ac-49e4-af73-582de8daaceb/WMFZ_fig3_map_3dmodel.png 3D fault structure - Gravity models and focal mechanisms were combined with the hypocenter clusters to build a complex 3D fault structural framework that spans the entire upper crust (~14 km depth). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/eaf72bd1-0136-400a-96b7-76f3a7255839/WMFZ_swarms1.png 3D fault structure - Cross sections Showing the extensional basin, the hypocenter distributions, and the intersections with modeled 3D fault mesh surfaces. They just don’t do justice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/9ff6c335-035c-49bf-b0e4-69aa1ae44093/poster_lutz_GSA2023.png 3D fault structure - Make it stand out Please click image to download this poster. https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/digital-geologic-mapping daily 0.75 2024-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/ec49f73c-b268-4ade-bbc7-745aeb23334f/Layout_A5_thrust.jpg Digital Geologic mapping - Digital geologic mapping using high-resolution LIDAR data shows the detailed structure of the Ouachita frontal fold-thrust belt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/bb29adc5-95f4-49c3-97c3-bd5488725afa/Layout_A5_thrust2.jpg Digital Geologic mapping - It’s cheating to use this lidar…which is publicly available by the way… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/e51eaae5-1c3e-416d-8bb0-d07b2d7ba6aa/Layout_A5_thrust3.jpg Digital Geologic mapping - thanks 3DEP Here is a link: 3D Elevation Program | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1499970585505-GDPKNXUIOTV83O9F6SCJ/image-asset.jpeg Digital Geologic mapping - Google Drive link to the latest draft here A link to the latest version of this map https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1524697169772-GK9A19ND6EQS1KQG3HHJ/SECTIONA.png Digital Geologic mapping https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1524697108641-VTL613B38HZLFJTSSBY2/Artboard+3.png Digital Geologic mapping https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/teaching daily 0.75 2026-03-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/08a97351-7549-4cf2-9a39-df3c82f20af9/Me_field_teaching.jpg Teaching Philosophy and Style Me teaching at the classic “welcome to Boone” outcrop. https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/reception daily 0.75 2026-03-31 https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/introductory-geology daily 0.75 2023-10-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619895095683-AK57VZ8IYEJT0XEXINIS/reynolds_book.png Introductory Geology - Geology is a science best learned though diagrams, illustrations, and field trips. This book by Steven Reynolds and many others is based on this concept. I use this book to teach basic Intro and Physical Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896708152-Y9IBIW9CX3PNL583KTJX/Slide01.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896709559-PMWND79EANJ11JOOCQAH/Slide02.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896711417-JJQ3WP78CZABG22VJLWC/Slide03.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896714652-6K1AS8DX2X20DR882J49/Slide04.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896716467-H0LA72IM85ID68BYBJ4B/Slide05.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896717921-2YYFGHYCAWZUWD86KR4N/Slide06.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896770573-G1RP3A3XEM5YRO2JUCNO/Slide07.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896762416-N1PDQ87VU7S6K4KW6J8L/Slide08.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896824271-D5D1KPHUK11W3VIKGV5Q/Slide09.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896832674-HG4XPIQWGS9RZOE6ZKHY/Slide10.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896885124-IZNUMV1PF1GD6O14B9R1/Slide11.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896874574-9UAFOYBTK7TBTK74SZSE/Slide12.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896919042-7G7XWBU0VAEC1FIWAXNE/Slide13.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896938832-84R44GE3CJ9A6X3GGFXW/Slide14.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896972653-PVUI09JAXJZVEI1KJNBZ/Slide15.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619896992380-1EODVBT6HQO1ZIJWUZSZ/Slide16.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897024386-EEY5B81NT76I179HVO1V/Slide17.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897040250-E8377BRQWH9ELFKQC1WU/Slide18.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897099555-6DZMU5P9VQIRODD18QQG/Slide19.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897111077-FLNCG9Y5XQRZLR26K2KQ/Slide20.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897146205-D5MG5VV5OYKOEHC0MHRA/Slide21.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897159969-TG8PY8GE06YU6VYTT7H4/Slide22.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897180637-9GAKEWWVP4H36A14FLJP/Slide23.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897241578-R2ZHDH5HIJX7NE7E3HHF/Slide24.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897209469-GZT3BPXJO28E5OFWE1DO/Slide25.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897249787-WCPIIO7M3YI0XF8RPY5T/Slide26.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897294454-3Y1WY1269RIF4ZFP0JT1/Slide27.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897279446-VSCRLCDDHN1BFVRHH7MY/Slide28.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897309506-VG176H81GZXP10EGFDRW/Slide29.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897351746-GTE6774JKFJEUO14Z0U6/Slide30.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897314519-K4L0XKWUPEY1BVLAVFGD/Slide31.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897321082-5AJTA4ZZY734OQ8AJADS/Slide32.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897341945-4VT3PLP5KYS8EBRDHW5A/Slide33.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897353792-DAOKLJV0U9HEZFT0S36P/Slide34.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897367663-XZUVJWQTCFIK9TCYYC5T/Slide35.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897387477-BI65LEEDWOBPTW8LJTJJ/Slide36.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897392540-HJKM3FHX6MYLDMEJI48H/Slide37.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897408185-YCZ5XCOKUQT3TYRUEOXV/Slide38.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897432861-SZKO7WGNT4075NTU6H3M/Slide39.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897445908-PA3ECDT79X2W040YP4EM/Slide40.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897439150-72GXELQWNKWB8E9NNS9B/Slide41.png Introductory Geology 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897605332-QRVB1NJSOFXUG7RQWNC7/Slide49.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897609427-9Y2G5IY3AVYZ7PXHOH61/Slide50.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897625280-JH3ES7I59SFPTRJOR92W/Slide51.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897636222-KZSAN6DY4OSGIPF4C2CT/Slide52.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897650692-FHRUC9L3MJWTZLX5XD51/Slide53.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897644062-IYE8MNG9D7WBM08L274K/Slide54.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897650108-MRO7BD3NSPV8VWUF45WZ/Slide55.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897653701-2EA9NF6CUMPFY26CX1XU/Slide56.png Introductory Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619897655935-TWWU9JKTISIPS2CCZS5U/Slide57.png Introductory Geology https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/kinematic-modeling daily 0.75 2023-10-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619920349860-AAU88CKKCNWBOLN2KVNI/gplates1.png Kinematic Modeling - GPlates is taught to give students a broad spatiotemporal sense for plate tectonics. Students recreate the classic reconstruction of Atlantic sea-floor isochrons using Euler Pole Rotations in the fully-integrated GPlates platform. Pangaea is reconstructed. Step-wise reconstructions allow analysis of plate kinematics, which students use to assess the drivers of plate motions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619921254153-VOTB3GU93UF4COIP19HJ/520section1.png Kinematic Modeling Balanced 2D W-E cross-section through the southern rift including the Organ Mountains. The section is about 15 km vertically. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619920784622-LUYE2YRMYOEQOSUQJO6Y/520_map1.png Kinematic Modeling DEM draped geologic map of the southern Rio Grande Rift https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619920919440-IMJ45ZKZRU26WBOMKLJG/520map2.png Kinematic Modeling 3D view of cross-sections and draped geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619926641981-36ZI2KB2LRV1SDPS13UR/520section2.png Kinematic Modeling - Antiformal stack formed from three thrusts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619926750960-PLXX8LEKVKAAOSWPNUCE/520section5.png Kinematic Modeling - Initial section prior to thrusting https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/arcgis-for-geology daily 0.75 2023-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619968148536-XJJMM8YOCM4Q5GDXHMKB/GEOL544_NM_Ex5+%282.jpg Arc-GIS for Geology - Continental Mantle Lithosphere Maps of W USA and NM showing Moho and LAB depths, and the thickness of the Continental Mantle Lithosphere, which was calculated from the two.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619988701785-UWEGHZ76YT279LR45GV5/GEOL544_NM_Ex7_PC_Back.jpg Arc-GIS for Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619988716883-SXSC8F0RTWONI0YOWH6H/GEOL544_NM_Ex7_PC_Front.jpg Arc-GIS for Geology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619989109125-4VBSHUB4TSH3JPPJ74LS/Ex6_Digitizing_Ables.jpg Arc-GIS for Geology - Professional-level digitization of a legacy map of the NM Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources (see below). Maps are digitized using state-of-the-art digital geologic mapping schema, principles and practices. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1620069508039-TV00J8Q1OAMVKFKUYZRV/Ex6_Digitizing.jpg Arc-GIS for Geology - The Legacy map to the left is digitized (above) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619990202292-5PFBAZX7G4LD57SPDT4B/Ex3_Surfaces.jpg Arc-GIS for Geology - Surface analyses of local mountains in New Mexico. https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/tectonic-evolution-of-nam daily 0.75 2023-10-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619927565535-H8X3RNTPG75CE4Z2E4ZO/Actual_tectonic_structure_of_North_America.jpeg Tectonic Evolution of NAM - North America has an amazing history that spans geologic time. In this course, students learn about plate tectonics through the lens of North America. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619927711042-6SCEPEPYFZ3HPLVVCBTT/photo_blakey.png Tectonic Evolution of NAM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619929542849-P8QLUQDXW75XCSPBEOSJ/Photo+of+Seismic+Profile.jpg Tectonic Evolution of NAM - Seismic reflection profile interpretations of passive margin systems https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619930149488-FK0GGV5XCERKZEAHJOOK/Contour+Map.jpg Tectonic Evolution of NAM - Structure contour map of the top of the Wolfcamp D in the Permian Basin, SE NM and SW TX. Students also created a well-plan from their structure contour maps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619929960829-W0TN8K7CBMGWN14AV7WR/Untitled+6.png Tectonic Evolution of NAM Seismic refraction study to “find the Moho”. Students download and pick P-wave arrivals from seismograms for a set of stations, then plot data and make calculations to estimate Moho depth. Students then compare their calculations with published maps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619930257867-2QYFI13Y5R9KU10DGAZT/Untitled+3.png Tectonic Evolution of NAM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619930258204-MCUI5FB0UV35NZR5IZZO/Untitled+4.png Tectonic Evolution of NAM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1619930260306-NTL9EKU1HV364TPQVGC7/Untitled+5.png Tectonic Evolution of NAM https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/pageo daily 0.75 2024-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/b6ad85a6-be0b-4a99-899e-2b59456876e9/Fig_arbenz_forweb.jpg ODABOUT - Make it stand out Bringing Arbenz (2008) to life. This 3D model (in progress) was built from a compilation map and 10 regional cross-sections. Several key structural features are labeled in the oblique view to the SE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1663258624784-0RECDKTYL584U0B8WHY6/image_3D_OK1_C.jpg ODABOUT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1663258626197-J8SLUZV3KSGRICATVQW7/image_3D_OK2_C.jpg ODABOUT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1663258638656-9A40DQPGG6K00LW8OEMG/image_3D_OK3_C.jpg ODABOUT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1663258641268-8ETF6YCIYGPDNEZ6HIP1/image_3D_OK4_C.jpg ODABOUT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1663258652253-DM4DXFMB7AYEXK3E9358/image_3D_OK4_B.jpg ODABOUT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1663258646919-FB6BL14POCRVDPXZT996/image_3D_AR5_B.jpg ODABOUT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1663258654131-ZSE44TNMIQFKV7VSZ8LY/image_3D_AR6_B.jpg ODABOUT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1663258658981-U1F2MVJABEI3QITHZN35/image_3D_OK1_B.jpg ODABOUT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/12dd8c03-fe81-4285-9c8b-83ceab4a3b13/Fig_A.3_boone.png ODABOUT - 3D modeling View to the N of 3D model representing the top of the Mississippian Boone Formation. 3D model reveals the complex structural architecture of extensional faults formed in the foreland of the Ouachita Orogeny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/4755d653-2565-42e2-8d08-a0e988e2b828/Fig_01_overview.png ODABOUT - The Arkoma Basin contains flexural extensional faults that separate the foredeep/forebulge depozones from the wedge-top and Ouachita fold-thrust belt. These faults accomodate flexure during construction of the orogenic wedge and record the orogenic evolution. This study focused on the evolution of and underlying controls on these faults, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/c14e3a7c-49e1-4190-a039-925c6be31761/Fig_04_methods_2D_3D.png ODABOUT - 3D modeling is performed using state of the art oil industry Move software. Subsurface well tops (ca. 20,000) are available for formations of interest within the Arkoma Basin. Kriging mesh surfaces offset by faults were fit to the well tops of key horizons to assess faulting through time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/cfc32531-1b6c-4bf0-927d-3b1fb5f33dde/Fig_17_relay3D.png ODABOUT - Faulted mesh surfaces Reveal relay ramps and slip gradients. The main, E-W trending faults are segmented by pre-existing basement lineaments/faults related to an older phase of rifting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/542f1674-1e6a-43c8-9d54-19aae06c9fd7/Fig_16_middleatoka_thickness.png ODABOUT - Make it stand out The NE-trending lineaments extend SW beneath the thrust belt. The projected lineaments also segment the E-W trending frontal thrust-cored anticlines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/a1d8a7d4-608e-4cff-a49d-21991b9ec8e0/Fig_18_concept.png ODABOUT - Fault segmentation patterns discovered from precise outcrop-scale observations (e.g. Peacock and Sanderson, 1994) are repeated at the scale of an entire half-basin (this study). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/079b0d93-99fa-4d6e-ad8d-40a2a56952dc/paloecurrentDR.PNG ODABOUT - Other project material Hirtz, J., 2022, Literature compilation of paleocurrent data from the Late Paleozoic Ouachita orogen, Oklahoma-Arkansas, U.S.A., USGS Data Release. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/564204d8-049d-42dc-9224-6c5f20f38a2f/Hudson_2022_fig15.PNG ODABOUT - NE-SW trending structural zones within the Ozark Dome area are thought to be pre-existing weaknesses within the basement, which were reactivated during Late Paleozoic flexural extension. These zones influence MVT deposits and induced seismicity (Hudson and Turner, 2022). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/4b4c2a60-c127-470e-8e22-d3de4e94259a/sciencebase_arbenz.JPG ODABOUT - Digital database of Arbenz (2008) map Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/controls-on-orogenic-gole-endowment daily 0.75 2023-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/4718e6f8-1825-4472-ba4a-a1ea1ed246ae/Fig_01_map.jpg Orogenic Gold - Western North America contains a belt of Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous orogenic gold deposits mainly hosted within the “Intermontane Terrane Group”, which includes the Sierra Nevada Foothills, Klamath Mountains, Blue Mountains, and Quesnelia-Barkersville Terranes, BC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/3f03b91e-8159-43e7-88a3-9b444aa4c23d/Fig_02_map.jpg Orogenic Gold - Make it stand out Map showing the distribution and endowment of orogenic gold deposits within the Blue Mountains Gold Belt. BMB: Bald Mountain Batholith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/15ef4cc1-33b7-4d8c-9968-6d706f42c12f/Fig_03_timeline.jpg Orogenic Gold - A timeline A timeline of major mineral system phases and associated structural and magmatic events. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/1b3b3ce0-a7c3-48a7-a4bf-b66d2ab683db/Fig_04_cartoon.jpg Orogenic Gold - Arc-arc collision Modified after Schwartz et al. (2014). Cartoon depictions of arc-arc collision and orogenic gold deposition within the Blue Mountains Gold Belt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/4460ea7c-a6b7-4cd7-b3a4-0de365e43e66/Fig_pies.jpg Orogenic Gold - Pie diagrams showing gold production by host rock (top) and by mine site (bottom). Note the majority hosted by argillite and schist (top) and the major contribution by the Cracker Lode deposit (bottom). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/d75001eb-1c1d-4061-97b3-92ed546c8076/Fig_06_exposure.jpg Orogenic Gold - and out Exposure of orogenic gold deposits is likely controlled by Neogene folds and faults that uplifted the Blue Mountains. These folds may have reactivated pre-existing fold related to the Mesozoic accretion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/61a2f3df-0898-4d8b-9e45-e80fb38314cb/Fig_longsection2.jpg Orogenic Gold - Make it stand out This longitudinal section of the Cracker Lode system suggests ore shoots follow lines parallel to vein-secondary vein intersections and vein-foliation plane intersections. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/42d06959-35fd-4768-8562-999b209b3077/Fig_12_veinstructure.jpg Orogenic Gold - Vein endowment as a function of strike azimuth (top) and dip (bottom). Very steep dips are apparently better, supporting the notion that the veins are predominately strike-slip faults (see below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/9bd401be-5baf-468a-a489-ee793b7845d3/Fig_15_CH_reconstruction.jpg Orogenic Gold - A Circular Histogram weighted by endowment (top) supports that well-endowed lodes trend NE-SW. Contoured maximum stress vectors (Ave Lallemant, 1995), combined with 1) evidence of left-lateral slip along the Cracker Lode (see below), 2) contemporaneity with the early phase of Sierra Nevada Foothills / Klamath Mtns gold, and 3) relative plate motions in Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous times support left-lateral oblique convergence and a stress field like the one shown in the combined circular histogram - spherical projection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/81a60c58-3bdb-4c6c-9380-6d43c8731d07/Fig_SP_joints.jpg Orogenic Gold - The extension direction calculated from surface and underground joint measurements generally supports local E-W extension and N-S compression, loosely consistent with the paleo-stress field above, with some caveats in terms of the least and intermediate stresses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/f1bcc0e0-8899-42b9-a498-ac682ca2a079/Fig_orientationmap.jpg Orogenic Gold - This orientation map This orientation map is an interpolation of dispersed bedding measurements within the Elkhorn Ridge Argillite. The map resolves two NW-SE - trending synclinal fold axes that are offset by ~ 500 m along the Cracker Lode. Offset is left-lateral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/ffa3e1d2-b8c5-49b6-9685-c6731a9fb077/Fig_19_Paleostress.jpg Orogenic Gold - Reconstructed NAM margin and stress field support left-lateral kinematics on (presently) NE-SW oriented lodes. The Blue Mountains composite terranes were rotated about a vertical axis by ~60° since ca. 120 Ma. Reversal of this rotation suggests the left-lateral lodes actually trended NNW-SSE and may have formed due to the presence of an embayment in the margin and/or due to slip partitioning along the obliquely-convergent margin. The latter interpretation is consistent with the modern analog of the Sumatra Margin (bottom map to scale with top), where orogenic and epithermal gold deposits are localized along the strike-slip fault that is sub-parallel to the trench system and subduction zone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/0f9b4892-38ed-487b-984a-3d548e7a2acf/Fig_20_Section.jpg Orogenic Gold - Margin-parallel strike slip faults provide a crustal-scale magma and fluid-plumbing system that transports Au-rich fluids from the dewatering slab and mantle wedge to crustal reservoirs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/0bc07258-a730-4a87-930c-bae0c96532f5/Fig_08_photos.png Orogenic Gold - Field observations and core logging reveal patterns in the argillite host rock and vein kinematics. The host rock is dominated by interbedded strong and weak units with different structural and hydrological anisotropy. Fault grooves and hematite-coated slickenlines support left-lateral, oblique-normal slip on the Cracker Lode, consistent with several other independent lines of evidence. V-rich alteration assemblage to the bottom right and bedded pyrite on bottom left https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/bc4d8db4-355b-4011-a4e3-f3be5527433f/Fig_11_Reactivity.jpg Orogenic Gold - The reactivity (R) of the host rocks was calculated from portable XRF scans of core and coarse rejects from core logging. The high reactivity indicates that the argillite around the Cracker Lode was pre-conditioned to form sulfides and host gold deposition due to high Fe content. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/5d6fe8d9-b9ff-4fa2-bd5a-e8577c7d2642/Fig_09_concept_Ore.jpg Orogenic Gold - Geomechanical and hydrological contrasts within the argillite (especially in the Cracker Creek area) likely facilitated trapping of auriferous fluids, localized brecciation, and continues, repeated gold-qtz vein mineralization during fault slip events. We propose this basic genetic model at the deposit scale that may help explain ore shoot pitch variations (see also long section above). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/16eb59eb-4f28-408c-8603-1741f0d891f1/Fig_mag_BMB.jpg Orogenic Gold - Well-endowed lodes around the Bald Mountain Batholith have strike azimuth subparallel to its boundaries but also seem to have formed within a roof pendant that overlies a strongly magnetic part of the batholith. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/acbc11df-f73b-4712-b1af-48d241562ba8/Fig_13_intrusive_thrust.jpg Orogenic Gold - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/bda5f3ce-b007-489f-8cf2-349f172e8722/Fig_22_dilation2.jpg Orogenic Gold - Make it stand out Within the left-lateral kinematic framework, dilatant zones form where ENE-trending strike-slip lodes bend to the N. The Cracker Lode (most productive deposit in the region) provides a good example. The well-endowed part resembles a “pull-apart” structure where strike-slip movements would create space locally for Au-rich fluids to infiltrate. https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/new-page-4 daily 0.75 2024-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/08a97351-7549-4cf2-9a39-df3c82f20af9/Me_field_teaching.jpg Geology Field Methods Me, showing App State students some crazy mylonitic shear zones in the Blue Ridge https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/student-research daily 0.75 2026-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/a0c55f34-db4b-40c9-984a-66b5c11943cc/IMG_0377.jpg Undergraduate Student Research Students exploring the Texas Spring area in Death Valley National Park. This was part of a mapping project for the Winter Field Geology in Death Valley course, January 2026. Photo credit: Gavin McCall, B.S. Geology student, Appalachian State University https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59667f8d36e5d3a7a5e3b71f/741fcd07-3331-4a14-ac24-6e914b661a54/Tommy_Sorber+%281%29.jpg Undergraduate Student Research Tommy Sorber is a B.S. Geology Major also studying classical guitar performance at Appalachian State University. He is interested in field-based geology, structural processes, and sedimentology. https://www.brandonlutzgeology.com/store daily 0.75 2024-04-15