HelTec - Laboratory for experimental tectonics at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences

Experimental tectonics is the branch of geosciences that uses so-called "analogue models" scaled down from nature to the laboratory to study tectonic processes "in situ". Thanks to new materials, testing methods and monitoring techniques, which have been developed in the past two decades, anologue modelling nowadays provides quantitative tectonic oberservations across all relevant spatial and temporal scales. Please find an introductory texts to our lab and methods here and here. A video about our work you can find here.

Our experimental tectonics lab facility consists of three basic modules:

1) Material testing featuring a series of material test devices for characterizing rock analogue materials’ properties including friction, elasticity, viscosity etc.

2) Analogue modelling featuring a suite of custom-made deformation devices for simulating (seismo)tectonic and other geological processes

3) Laboratory monitoring providing the means of quantifying deformation in analogue models using various sensors and image correlation methods

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Analogue modelling

Laboratory monitoring

  • Laboratory geodesy & seismology
  • High resolution to high speed digital imaging: 5-50 MPx, 1-10.000 Hz (LaVision Imager, Phantom VEO)
  • Digital image correlation: DIC/PIV (LaVision Strainmaster) & SfM (Agisoft Metashape)
  • Laser scanning (Artec3D Leo)
  • Force sensors, MEMS accelerometers & piezotransducers (static to kHz/MHz dynamic)

Software

Rudolf (2023): Granular Healing - Python module associated to the 2022 GeoMod material benchmark. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2023.010

Rudolf (2021): RST-Stick-Slipy. V. 1.0. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2021.007

Rudolf & Warsitzka (2021): RST Evaluation - Scripts for analysing shear experiments from the Schulze RST.pc01 ring shear tester. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2021.001

Rudolf (2019). Stick-slip learning - Suite of scripts to analyze annular shear experiments with a machine learning approach. https://gitext.gfz-potsdam.de/analab-code/shear-madness/

 

Experimental modelling data

Liu et al. (2025): Analogue modeling results showing fault network evolution during multiphase triaxial strain. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.FPXO.2025.001

Zwaan et al. (2025): Results of analogue tectonic models of rifting and tectonic lineament reactivation along the Main Ethiopian Rift. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2025.041

Liu et al. (2024): Surface deformation and topography data from analogue modelling experiments addressing triaxial tectonics in regions of distributed extension. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2024.001

Schmid et al. (2024): Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) data from an analogue experiment exploring kinematic coupling of brittle and viscous deformation. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2024.028

Kosari et al. (2023): Surface displacement and strain data from laboratory subduction megathrust earthquake cycles. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2023.005

Kosari et al. (2022): Digital image correlation data from laboratory subduction megathrust models. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2022.015

Kosari et al. (2022): High-speed digital image correlation data from laboratory subduction megathrust models. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2022.024

Schmid et al. (2022): DVC and 3D stereo DIC data from analogue models exploring interaction of viscous flow and surface deformation in rotational rift systems. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2022.006

Haug et al. (2021): Laboratory model data from experiments on fragmenting analogue rock avalanches. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2020.004

Mastella et al. (2021): Particle image correlation data from Foamquake: a novel seismotectonic analog model mimicking the megathrust seismic cycle. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2021.046

Michail et al. (2021): Digital image correlation data from analogue modelling experiments addressing magma emplacement along simple shear and transtensional fault zones. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2021.004

Osagiede et al. (2021): Digital image correlation data from analogue modelling experiments addressing extension of weakened crust. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2020.005

Schmid et al. (2021): 3D stereo DIC data from analogue models exploring fault growth and rift propagation in rotational rift systems. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2021.048

Zwaan et al. (2021): Digital image correlation data from analogue modelling experiments addressing the influence of basin geometry on gravity-driven salt tectonics at the Tectonic Modelling Lab of the University of Rennes (F). GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2021.028

Kosari et al. (2020): Digital image correlation data from analogue subduction megathrust earthquakes addressing the control of geodetic coverage on coseismic slip inversion. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2020.003

Zwaan et al. (2020): Digital image correlation data from analogue modelling experiments addressing orthogonal and rotational extension at the Tectonic Modelling Lab of the University of Bern (CH). GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2020.001

Ge et al. (2019): Digital image correlation data from analogue modeling experiments addressing mechanisms of overprinting translational domains in passive margin salt basins. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2019.001

Rosenau et al. (2019): Supplement to “Synchronization of great subduction megathrust earthquakes: Insights from scale model analysis”. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2019.005

Corbi et al. (2018): Supplementary material to "Machine Learning can predict the timing and size of analog earthquakes". GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2018.071

Rudolf et al. (2018): Supplement to: Smart speed imaging in Digital Image Correlation: Application to Seismotectonic Scale Modelling. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2018.002

Ritter et al. (2017): Supplement to: Growing Faults in the Lab: Insights into the Scale Dependence of the Fault Zone Evolution Process. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2017.004

Ritter et al. (2017): Supplement to: Sandbox Rheometry: Co-Evolution of Stress and Strain in Riedel- and Critical Wedge-Experiments. GFZ Data Services. doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2017.001

Reiter et al. (2016): Supplementary material for analogue experiments on the interactions of two indenters, and their implications for curved fold-and-thrust-belts. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.007

Rosenau et al. (2016): Supplement to "Analogue earthquakes and seismic cycles: Experimental modelling across timescales". GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.008

 

Rock analogue material properties

Rheometry

Rudolf et al. (2023): Rheometric Analysis of Viscous Material Mixtures Used in the Tectonic Laboratory (TecLab) at Utrecht University, Netherlands. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2023.026

Zwaan et al. (2020): Rheology of viscous materials from the CNR-IGG Tectonic Modelling Laboratory at the University of Florence (Italy). GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2020.018

Zwaan et al. (2018): Rheology of PDMS-corundum sand mixtures from the Tectonic Modelling Lab of the University of Bern (CH). GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2018.023

Rudolf et al. (2016): Supplement to: Rheological benchmark of silicone oils used for analog modeling of short- and long-term lithospheric deformation. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.001

Klinkmüller et al. (2016): GeoMod2008 materials benchmark: The ring shear test dataset. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.002

Ring shear data

Willingshofer & Rosenau (2025): Ring-shear test data of quartz sand SIBELCO S80 used for analogue modelling in the Tectonic Laboratory (TecLab) at Utrecht University. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2025.024

Willingshofer et al. (2025): Ring-shear test data of mica used for analogue modelling in the Tectonic Laboratory (TecLab) at Utrecht University. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2024.041

Han et al. (2024): Ring-shear test data of mica used for analogue modelling in the experimental tectonics laboratory at China University of Petroleum (Beijing). GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2024.045

Han et al. (2024): Ring-shear test data of colored quartz sand used for analogue modelling in the experimental tectonics laboratory at China University of Petroleum (Beijing). GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2024.044

Han et al. (2024): Ring-shear test data of foamglass used for analogue modelling in the experimental tectonics laboratory at China University of Petroleum (Beijing). GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2024.043

Han et al. (2024): Ring-shear test data of wallnut shells used for analogue modelling in the experimental tectonics laboratory at China University of Petroleum (Beijing)). GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2024.042

Reitano et al. (2023): Drained ring-shear test data of wet silica powder-glass beads-PVC powder mixture “CM2” used for analogue modelling in the laboratory for experimental tectonics (LET) at RomaTre University, Rome, Italy. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2023.039

Rosenau & Pohlenz (2023): Ring-shear test data of garnet sand used for analogue modelling in the experimental tectonics laboratory at GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2023.010

Rosenau & Pohlenz (2023): Ring-shear test data of corundum sand “NKF120” used for analogue modelling in the experimental tectonics laboratory at GFZ Potsdam. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2023.009

Rudolf et al. (2023): Slide-Hold-Slide Data of Granular Materials Used In Analogue Modelling. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2023.009

Rosenau et al. (2022): Ring-shear test data of glass beads 100-200 µm used for analogue experiments in the tectonic modelling labs at GFZ Potsdam and the Czech Academy of Science, Prague. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2022.001

Rosenau et al. (2022): Ring-shear test data of glass beads 200-300 µm used for analogue experiments in the tectonic modelling labs at GFZ Potsdam and the Czech Academy of Science, Prague. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2022.002

Rudolf et al. (2022). Ring-shear test data of glass beads <50 µm used for analogue experiments in the tectonic modelling labs at GFZ Potsdam and the Czech Academy of Science, Prague. GFZ Data Services, https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2022.003

Zwaan et al. (2022): Ring-shear test data of feldspar sand FS900S used in the Tectonic Modelling Laboratory at the University of Bern (Switzerland). GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2022.008

Warsitzka et al. (2022): Ring-shear test data of wheat flour used for analogue experiments in the laboratory of the Institute of Geophysics of the Czech Academy of Science, Prague. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2022.016

Visage et al. (2022): Material properties of analogue velocity-weakening material used for seismotectonic analogue modeling of strike-slip seismic cycle: the case of twice-broken rice. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2022.001

Mastella et al. (2021): Properties of rock analogue materials used for Foamquake: a novel seismotectonic analog model mimicking the megathrust seismic cycle at RomaTre Uni-versity (Italy). GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2021.047

Rudolf et al. (2021): Ring Shear and Slide-Hold-Slide Test Measurements for Soda-Lime Glassbeads of 300-400µm diameter used at the Helmholtz Laboratory for Tectonic Modelling, Potsdam, Germany. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2021.002

Warsitzka et al. (2021): Ring-shear test data of quartz sand – silicate cenospheres mixtures used for analogue experiments at the Institute of Geophysics of the Czech Academy of Science. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2021.024

Poppe et al. (2021): Mechanical test data of quartz sand, garnet sand, gypsum powder (plaster), kaolin and sand-plaster mixtures used as granular analogue materials in geoscience laboratory experiments. GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2021.005

Zwaan et al. (2020): Ring-shear test data of feldspar sand from the CNR-IGG Tectonic Modelling Laboratory at the University of Florence (Italy). GFZ Data Services. https://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2020.019

Pohlenz et al.  (2020): Ring shear test data of glass beads 40-70 µm used for analogue experiments in the Helmholtz Laboratory for Tectonic Modelling (HelTec) at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2020.006

Pohlenz et al. (2020): Ring shear test data of glass beads 70-110 µm used for analogue experiments in the Helmholtz Laboratory for Tectonic Modelling (HelTec) at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2020.007

Pohlenz et al. (2020): Ring shear test data of glass beads 300-400 µm used for analogue experiments in the Helmholtz Laboratory for Tectonic Modelling (HelTec) at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2020.008

Schmid et al. (2020): Effect of sieving height on density and friction of brittle analogue material: Ring-shear test data of corundum sand used for analogue experiments in the Tectonic Modelling Lab of the University of Bern (CH). GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2020.005

Schmid et al. (2020): Effect of sieving height on density and friction of brittle analogue material: Ring-shear test data of quarz sand used for analogue experiments in the Tectonic Modelling Lab of the University of Bern. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2020.006

Beekman et al. (2019): Ring shear test data of iron powder – quartz sand mixture: a new marker material for analog modelling in a CT scanner at Utrecht University (The Netherlands) (EPOS TNA call 2017). V. 1. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2019.019

Román-Berdiel et al. (2019): Ring shear test data of quartz sand and colored quartz sand used for analogue modelling in the Laboratorio de modelización analógica, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain (EPOS TNA call 2017). GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2019.025

Warsitzka et al. (2019): Ring-shear test data of quartz sand used for analogue experiments in the laboratory of the Institute of Geophysics of the Czech Academy of Science, Prague. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2019.008

Warsitzka et al. (2019): Ring-shear test data of foam glass beads used for analogue experiments in the Helmholtz Laboratory for Tectonic Modelling (HelTec) at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam and the Institute of Geosciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2019.002

Rosenau et al. (2018): Ring-shear test data of quartz sand G23 used for analogue experiments in the Helmholtz Laboratory for Tectonic Modelling (HelTec) at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2019.004

Rosenau et al. (2018): Ring-shear test data of quartz sand G12 used for analogue experiments in the Helmholtz Laboratory for Tectonic Modelling (HelTec) at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2019.003

Deng, B. et al. (2018): Ring-shear test data of different quartz sands and glass beads used for analogue experiments in the experimental laboratory of the Chengdu University of Technology (EPOS Transnational Access Call 2017). V. 1. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2018.003

Zwaan et al. (2018): Ring-shear test data of quartz sand from the Tectonic Modelling Lab of the University of Bern (CH). GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2018.028

Willingshofer et al. (2018): Ring shear test data of feldspar sand and quartz sand used in the Tectonic Laboratory (TecLab) at Utrecht University for experimental Earth Science applications. V. 1. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2018.072

Willingshofer et al. (2018): Ring-shear test data of plastic sand, a new rock analogue material used for experimental Earth Science applications at Utrecht University, The Netherlands. V. 1. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/fidgeo.2018.022

Ritter et al. (2016): Supplement to: Scaling the Sand Box - Mechanical (Dis-) Similarities of Granular Materials and Brittle Rock. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.005

Miscellaneous material properties

Klinkmüller et al. (2016): GeoMod2008 materials benchmark: The axial test dataset. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.006

Klinkmüller et al. (2016): GeoMod2008 materials benchmark: The SEM image dataset. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.004

Klinkmüller et al. (2016): GeoMod2008 materials benchmark: The sieve dataset. GFZ Data Services. http://doi.org/10.5880/GFZ.4.1.2016.003

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