The tectonics and structure program at USC are aimed at deciphering the kinematics of deformation in zones of distributed deformation along plate boundaries. The scope of studies range from micro-scale fabrics and deformation mechanisms, to field-scale studies of deformational processes, and to the mechanical and geometrical analysis of the largest-scale tectonic features on our planet.  Research areas occur throughout the world as well as particular attention paid to Cordilleran tectonics in western North America.

At present we have a strong commitment to projects that combine paleomagnetic studies with structural analysis to examine the nature and distribution of deformation in the non-rigid zones adjacent to plate boundaries.  Paleomagnetic analysis is used to look at the 3D rotational component of the deformation field along these margins, and can be used in tandem with techniques such as GPS to constrain how the crust accommodates distributed strain and to look at the relationship between contemporary and long-term deformation.  Tectonic applications of paleomagnetism carried out at USC also include (1) relocating tectonic plates based on apparent-polar-wander paths (APWPs); (2) identifying allochthonous terranes within southern and Baja California; and (3) examining the temporal interactions of sedimentation and tectonics within the foreland basins of the Himalayas, the Alps, and the Pyrenees.

The tectonics program also has a strong commitment to projects that examine the link between regional tectonic processes and magmatism with a particular focus on process- oriented studies in crustal sections through continental margin arcs.  Areas of research focus range from identifying the displacement fields during arc magmatism, understanding the rheological effects of magmatism on deformation, rates of tectonic and magmatic processes, and addressing the mass balance problem driven by emplacement of magmatism in the crust.

Graduate course work in structural geology includes offerings in plate tectonics, structural petrology, continental tectonic evolution, strain analysis, rock mechanics, and advanced field mapping in structurally complex terrains.  Student projects typically combine intense fieldwork with the application of one or more lab techniques.  Emphasis is placed on integrating structural studies with one or more disciplines within the department.  Programs in tectonics can be coordinated with crustal and mantle geophysics, regional geology, seismology, rock mechanics, and igneous and metamorphic petrology.  The graduate structural program may include additional offerings in materials science, advanced mathematics, or computer science.

Examples of ongoing research projects:

(1) The mechanics, kinematics, and structural geometry of thrust belts and accretionary wedges, including the Franciscan Complex of California, the Sambagawa terrane of Japan, the European Alps, the Ionian zone and Hellenic arc of Greece, and the Hikurangi margin in New Zealand. 
(2) The formation and collapse of collisional plateaux, including the Anatolian plateau, the Aegean, the Alboran Domain in the western Mediterranean, and the Basin & Range province of western North America.
(3) The kinematics of deformation in zones of distributed deformation along plate boundaries, using paleomagnetic methods in conjunction with structural analysis to examine the nature and distribution of deformation in the non-rigid zones adjacent to plate boundaries.  Study areas include the Anatolian fault zone, the eastern California shear zone, and the San Andreas system in southern California. 
(4) Rate and timing of exhumation of high-pressure rocks in accretionary and collisional orogens, including the Saih Hatat window in Oman, the Western Gneiss Region of the Norwegian Caledonides, and the NW Himalayan syntaxis.
(5) Studies of displacement fields and magmatic processes in arcs in Baja California, Mexico; Sierra Nevada, California; and Cascades Mountains, Washington. 
(6) Mesozoic mountain building and exhumation in North China and the Cordillera.
(7) Slab window subduction and the effects on arc magmatism in Alaska.