Department of Geosciences
Department of Geosciences Idaho State University Home Page

Dr. David M. Pearson
Professor

Ph.D., Geosciences, University of Arizona, 2012
M.S., Geosciences, University of Arizona, 2007
B.S., Geological Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2002

My students, collaborators, and I conduct field-based and laboratory studies from microscopic to continental scales to better understand lithospheric deformation and regional tectonic processes. Current research interests include:

  • Controls on orogenic structural style in continental fold-thrust belts
  • Tectonic evolution of the northern Basin and Range
  • Feedbacks among forearc and retroarc thrusting and arc magmatism in Cordilleran orogens
  • Constraining the geometry and kinematics of Rodinian rifting in western Laurentia
  • Application of low-temperature thermochronometry to constrain the timing of contractional and extensional tectonism

    • Prospective graduate students: Information about ISU's graduate program can be found here. If you are interested in graduate opportunities at ISU, please contact me to discuss research and funding opportunities. Successful students are scientifically curious, highly motivated individuals with a serious work ethic and good time management skills.