David A. McConnell
Dr. McConnell's research focuses on the interaction between faulting and folding and the influence of lithologic variations (structural lithic units) on the folding process. This work is anchored in detailed field studies and incorporates both physical and kinematic modelling.
Previous field studies involved mapping of structures in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. Current projects are centered on: 1) the kinematic evolution of outcrop-scale fault-related folds; 2) distribution of strain in Silurian-Devonian rocks of the Valley Ridge Province of the Appalachians.
Dr. McConnell uses physical and kinematic models to investigate the interaction between faulting and folding. By allowing some variables to change while holding others fixed, these models can be used to interpret the strain history of the deformed sedimentary section. Results from modelling compare favorably with deformation patterns recognized in the field.
