Laboratory Details

Laboratorio de Modelización Analógica

The Analogue Modelling Laboratory began operation at the Departamento de Ciencias de la Tierra of the University of Zaragoza in 2002. Its equipment was made possible thanks to the infrastructure project MECD-AFC2002-579-LD of the Spanish Ministry of Education. There is a close scientific collaboration with the Zaragoza Unit of the IGME (Geological and Mining Institute of Spain) since 2009. This laboratory ensures the realization of analog modelling experimental projects around the field of tectonics: brittle and ductile deformation, brittle/ductile couplings, coupling sedimentation/strain, extensional, compresional, strike-slip and salt tectonics, transpression and transtension.

The main lines of research developed are: • Extensional, compressional and strike-slip tectonics • Influence of mechanical stratigraphy in basin geometry • Development of rotational and oblique structures • 3D deformational patterns in complex folds • Bidirectional extension and relay ramps in extensional tectonics • Magnetic fabrics analysis in analogue models

Equipment: Table and modelling boxes, motors and frequency controllers, cylindrical-rotatory viscometer, precision balance, thermometer with probe, time lapse camera, focus light, heating plate, concrete mixer for sand dyeing, industrial vacuum cleaner, sieves, test tubes and graduated glasses. Materials for modeling: natural rubber, siliceous sands (L-70/80S, LS0103), silicones (rhodorsil gomme FB), glass microbeads, clay, honey, EVA rubber, lead-tetraoxide.

Permanent researchers: Teresa Román-Berdiel y Antonio Casas-Sainz (UZ), Emilio Pueyo y Ruth Soto (IGME)

Please find further information here: https://cienciastierra.unizar.es/laboratorio-de-modelizacion-analogica

Furthermore, this laboratory is used for teaching purposes both in the Degree and in the Master's studies in Geology, and for informative purposes, to bring Structural Geology and Tectonics closer to society.

Please find a video documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfC9zdjt_Oo “Modelización analógica. La Tierra en pequeño” (Analogue modelling: visions on a reduced Earth)