Our research primarily focuses on deep continental crust, specifically the physical and chemical processes associated with rock and mineral deformation. Generally, I can group much of my research efforts into the following themes: 1) understanding crustal processes through the study of exposed high-pressure granulite terranes and lower crustal xenoliths, 2) metamorphic & structural controls on rheology & crustal seismic anisotropy, and 3) accessory mineral petrogenesis & in situ geochronological techniques. Some more specific areas of active research are highlighted below.
Shear zones and rock rheology
Proterozoic tectonics in the Western U.S.
Geological perspectives on seismic anisotropy
Crustal structure and properties from xenoliths
Accessory mineral petrogenesis
Kevin H. Mahan 