Basil Tikoff

Research

I view myself as a quantitative field geologist. I enjoy working on how deformation occurs on a variety of different levels within the Earth’s tectonic plates. Consequently, I tend to work a lot on shear zones. My group uses a variety of tools to address questions associated with structural geology and tectonics: Geological field mapping, kinematic modeling, microstructural analysis, geomagnetism (paleomagnetism and AMS), statistics, and gravity surveys.

Ongoing projects:

• Granite emplacement and magmatic arc processes*
• Interaction of magma bodies and geological structures
• Strike-slip tectonism*
• Strain localization
• Deformation of the lithospheric mantle*
• Deformation of the lower crust
• Extracting rheological information from naturally deformed rocks
• Tectonics of the western United States*
• Tectonics of the central America and northern Caribbean
• Tectonics of the early Earth

*Core areas

I also work on developing a digital data system for geological data (StraboSpot), using drones in geological research, and understanding human cognition related to spatial thinking (with cognitive sciences).

Publications

Google Scholar

Teaching

• ILS 153: Integrated Liberal Studies
• GEOSCI 202: Introduction to Geological Structures
• GEOSCI 402: Research and Communication in the Geological Sciences
• GEOSCI 455: Structural Geology (Spring 2022)
• GEOSCI 514: History of Geology
• GEOSCI 556: Mountains Belts
• GEOSCI 755: Advanced Structural Geology

Current Graduate Students:

• Kenz Carlton
• Deanna Flores
• Kyrsten Johnston
• Ellen Nelson
• Claire Ruggles