Summary
I am a field-based structural geologist interested in understanding the evolution of the Earth's continents and quantifying continental deformation. I address these issues through the use of traditional field-based structural geology methods—such as geologic mapping, balanced cross section construction, seismic data analysis, and analytical modeling—as well as modern analytical techniques, including geochronology, thermochronology, thermobarometry, analog modeling, and analysis of satellite images and geodesy data.
Currently, my research group works broad issues related to continental dynamics, including orogenic plateau evolution during plate convergence, the thermal structure of the crust in modern and ancient settings and how this affects deformation rates and styles, and regional reconstructions of western North America and Central Asia. Related to these problems, I have also been investigating the mechanics of strike-slip faulting on Earth and icy satellites through analog and numerical modeling.
Professional history
- July 2022–present: Associate Professor, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
- August 2016–June 2022: Assistant Professor, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
- Summer 2016: Instructor, Black Hills Natural Science Field Station, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
- August 2011–June 2016: Research/Teaching Assistant, University of California, Los Angeles
Research interests
- Structural geology and tectonics
- Continental deformation
- Orogenic plateaus
- Geologic mapping Tectonics of the North American Cordillera and Himalayan-Tibetan orogen
Education
- Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles, 2016
- B.S. Cornell University, 2011
Selected publications
- Zuza, A. V., Cao, W., Hinz, N. H., DesOrmeau, J. W., Odlum, M., and Stockli, D. F., 2019, Footwall rotation in a regional detachment fault system: Evidence for horizontal‐axis rotational flow in the Miocene Searchlight pluton, NV: Tectonics, v. 38, no. 7, p. 2506–2539.
- Cao, W., Lee, C.T., Yang, J., and Zuza, A. V., 2019, Hydrothermal circulation cools continental crust under exhumation: EPSL, v. 515, p. 248–259.
- Wu, C., Zhou, Z., Zuza, A. V., Wang, G., Liu, C., and Jiang, T., 2018, A 1.9‐Ga Mélange Along the Northern Margin of the North China Craton: Implications for the Assembly of Columbia Supercontinent: Tectonics, 37, no. 10, p 3610–3646.
- Zuza, A. V., Wu. C., Reith R. C., Yin, A., Li, J., Zhang, J., Zhang, Y., Wu, L., and Liu, W., 2018, Tectonic evolution of the Qilian Shan: A Paleozoic orogen reactivated in the Cenozoic: Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 130, no. 5–6, p. 881–925.
- Zuza, A. V., Yin, A., Lin, J., Sun, M., 2017, Spacing and strength of active continental strike-slip faults: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 457, p. 49–62.
- Zuza, A. V., Cheng, X., Yin, A., 2016, Testing models of Tibetan Plateau formation with Cenozoic shortening estimates across the Qilian Shan-Nan Shan thrust belt: Geosphere, v. 12, no. 2, p. 501–532.