John S. Oldow
Professor of Geological Sciences
Education
- B.S., Geology, University of Washington, 1972
- Ph.D., Geology, Northwestern University, 1978
Professional Experience
- 1976-1978 Assistant Professor, Texas Christian University
- 1978-1983 Assistant Professor, Rice University
- 1983-1988 Associate Professor, Rice University
- 1985-1986 Visiting Professor, University of British Columbia
- 1985-1986 Visiting Scientist, Geological Survey of Canada
- 1987 Visiting Professor, University of Naples, Italy
- 1988-1995 Professor, Rice University
- 1995-present Professor, University of Idaho
Research in Structure and Tectonics
My research centers on regional tectonics and processes related to active plate margins. The primary emphasis is placed on deciphering the time-integrated history and three-dimensional geometry and kinematics of transpressional and transtensional deformational belts. Research projects are largely field based and include investigation of both active and ancient orogenic belts in many parts of the world. Field work typically involves geologic mapping and the application of structural and stratigraphic analysis, potential-field geophysics, laser surface-imaging, and GPS geodesy to regional tectonic problems. Laboratory activities include use of digital data management systems (GIS), reduction and modeling of geophysical and geodetic measurements, and the formulation of geologic models derived from stratigraphic, kinematic, and geophysical constraints and three-dimensional restorable cross-sections.