Structural geometry prediction
Reconstruction of complex geometries and their space-time evolution for structures not fully resolved by seismic data or other geophysical methods.
structural tectonicsthermal evolutionsubsurface prototypes
Research
Research lines, projects and scientific output
Research at LaMoGe connects field observations, physical experimentation and numerical simulation to address complex structural and geodynamic problems.
Study Areas
Research Lines
Fracture zone prediction
Development and comparison of methods to estimate where natural fractures concentrate and how intense they are in conventional and unconventional reservoirs.
natural fracturesreservoirsmechanical simulation
Structural sweet spots and stress mapping
Analysis of the present-day stress field, well breakouts and local stress distributions to understand the opening or closing of fracture sets.
well breakoutsstress fieldshale oil and gas
Structure-magmatism interaction
Study of dyke generation and propagation, magma mobility and volcanic edifice geometry under different structural regimes.
dykesintrusionsstructural volcanism
Thermo-mechanical numerical modelling
High-complexity simulations to solve tectonic, thermal and lithospheric processes governed by physical equations.
geodynamicsphysical simulationsedimentary basins
Velocity fields and kinematic-mechanical modelling
Use of velocity fields from analogue models to revisit existing kinematic models and propose new structural algorithms.
velocity fieldsfoldsstructural algorithms
Structural fabric recognition and AMS
Integration of survey technologies and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility to characterise deformation and stress fields.
AMSdeformationstructural fabric
Outreach
Services and external collaboration
Design and execution of analogue and numerical models
Development of geological modelling schemes for tectonic-structural problems, integrating physical experimentation, numerical simulation and comparison with natural case studies.
Structural analysis, fracturing and predictive geomechanics
Structural interpretation and evaluation of fracture zones, stress fields and structural sweet spots in conventional and unconventional reservoirs.
Training and methodological development
Training activities in geological modelling, structural analysis, quantitative tools and experimental methodologies applied to real-world problems.
Funding
Research Projects
2004-present Active line
Andean tectonic architecture and basin evolution
Integration of field observations, analogue modelling and numerical simulation to reconstruct the tectono-mechanical evolution of complex Andean systems.
· IDEAN· UBA· CONICET
2018-present Strategic application
Fracture prediction and structural sweet spots
Development of methodologies to estimate the connectivity, intensity and spatial distribution of natural fractures in conventional and unconventional reservoirs.
· IDEAN· IGEBA
2017-present Transfer and validation
Structural modelling of geothermal systems
Structural characterisation and reservoir evaluation for geothermal systems through deformation models, stress analysis and applied geological synthesis.
· IDEAN· UBA
2020-present International cooperation
Interaction between magmatism and structural architecture
Study of dyke propagation, magma mobility and the structural control of intrusions through experimental and conceptual work.
· University of Oslo· IDEAN
Output
Scientific Publications
2025 Tectonophysics 907
A review of velocity fields in fault bend folding kinematic models: General algorithm for computational application
Cristallini, E.
2025 Tectonophysics 898
Impact of large-scale structures on fracture network connectivity: Insights into the Vaca Muerta unconventional play, Neuquén basin, Argentina
Correa-Luna, C.; Yagupsky, D. L.; Likerman, J.; Barcelona, H.
2024 Geological Society, London, Special Publications 547(1)
Characterization of a structural trap associated with an intrusive complex: the El Trapial oilfield, Neuquén Basin, Argentina
Lombardo, E. F.; Galland, O.; Yagupsky, D.; Jerram, D. A.
2023 Journal of South American Earth Sciences 123
Resource assessment of the Cerro Blanco geothermal system
Barcelona, H.; Chiodi, A.; Yagupsky, D.; Peri, G.; Winocur, D.; Kleinman, P.
2023 Nature Communications 14(1)
Ghost-arc geochemical anomaly at a spreading ridge caused by supersized flat subduction
Gianni, G. M.; Likerman, J.; Navarrete, C. R.; Gianni, C. R.; Zlotnik, S.
2023 Frontiers in Earth Sciences 11
Following the steps of CHIPA: Chilenia and Patagonia formed the same drift terrain that collided with the southwest Gondwana margin during the middle Paleozoic
Tomezzoli, R. N.; Cristallini, E. O.; Tickyj, H.; Arzadún, G.; Calvagno, J. M. D.; Choque, G.; Febbo, B.; Saguas, E.
2022 Journal of South American Earth Sciences 120
Natural fracture characterization of the Los Catutos Member (Vaca Muerta Formation) in the southern sector of the Sierra de la Vaca Muerta, Neuquén Basin, Argentina
Correa-Luna, C.; Yagupsky, D. L.; Likerman, J.; Barcelona, H.
2022 Journal of Structural Geology 162
Kinematics of fault-propagation folding: Analysis of velocity fields in numerical modeling simulations
Plotek, B.; Heckenbach, E.; Brune, S.; Cristallini, E.; Likerman, J.
2021 International Journal of Earth Sciences 110(7)
The influence of variations in crustal composition and lithospheric strength on the evolution of deformation processes in the southern Central Andes: insights from geodynamic models
Barrionuevo, M.; Liu, S.; Mescua, J.; Yagupsky, D. L.; Quinteros, J.; Giambiagi, L.; Sobolev, S.; Strecker, M.; Rodríguez Piceda, C.
2021 Journal of South American Earth Sciences 105
Seamless low-temperature thermochronological modeling in Andino 3D, towards integrated structural and thermal simulations
Cristallini, E. O.; Sánchez, F.; Balciunas, D.; Mora, A.; Ketcham, R.; Nigro, J.; Hernández, J.; Hernández, R.
2021 Journal of Structural Geology 146
Analysis of fault bend folding kinematic models and comparison with an analog experiment
Plotek, B. L.; Guzmán, C. G.; Cristallini, E. O.; Yagupsky, D.
2021 Journal of South American Earth Sciences 109
Lower Jurassic deformation in the eastern Huincul High, Argentina
Guzmán, C.; Tapia, F.; Ambrosio, A.; Gutierrez Pleimling, A.; Bustos, G.; Gómez, C.; González, J. M.
2020 Journal of South American Earth Sciences 99
Fracture network analysis of Yacoraite Formation in the Tres Cruces sub-basin, northwestern Argentina
Correa-Luna, C.; Yagupsky, D. L.; Likerman, J.
2020 Opening and Closure of the Neuquén Basin
Middle Jurassic-Late Cretaceous deposits on the Chilean Andean side and the paleogeography of western margin of the Neuquén Basin
Tapia, F.; Muñoz, M.; Farías, M.; Charrier, R.; Astaburuaga, D.
2020 Journal of the Geological Society 177(2)
Eocene Arc Petrogenesis in Central Chile (~33.5°S) and Implications for the Late Cretaceous-Miocene Andean Setting: Tracking the Evolving Tectonic Regime
Muñoz-Gómez, M.; Fuentes, C.; Fuentes, F.; Tapia, F.; Benoit, M.; Farías, M.; Fanning, C. M.; Fock, A.; Charrier, R.; Sellés, D.; Bustamante, D.
2020 Journal of South American Earth Sciences 98
A new constraint on the central Andean rotation pattern from paleomagnetic studies in the southern Sub Andes of Bolivia
Calvagno, J. M.; Gallo, L. C.; Tomezzoli, R. N.; Cristallini, E. O.; Dalenz Farjat, A.; Hernández, R. M.
2019 Journal of South American Earth Sciences 96
Hydrochemical and geological model of the Bañitos-Gollete geothermal system in Valle del Cura, main Andes Cordillera of San Juan, Argentina
Barcelona, H.; Lelli, M.; Norelli, F.; Peri, G.; Winocur, D.
2019 Geologica Acta 17
Audiomagnetotelluric survey at the Bañitos-Gollete geothermal area, main Andes Cordillera of San Juan, Argentina
Barcelona, H.; Peri, G.; Winocur, D.; Favetto, A.
2019 Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 375
Structural model and slip-dilation tendency analysis at the Copahue geothermal system: Inferences on the reservoir geometry
Barcelona, H.; Yagupsky, D.; Vigide, N.; Senger, M.
2019 Geothermal Energy 7
The layered model of the Copahue geothermal reservoir, Argentina
Barcelona, H.; Yagupsky, D.; Agusto, M.
2018 Revista de la Asociación Geológica Argentina 75(4)
Modelo análogo de fallamiento extensional y comparación con el sistema de fallas normales Las Salinas, provincia del Neuquén
Plotek, B.; Guzmán, C.; Cristallini, E.
2018 Tectonophysics 744
Extensional tectonics during Late Cretaceous evolution of the Southern Central Andes: Evidence from the Chilean Main Range at 35°S
Muñoz, M.; Tapia, F.; Persico, M.; Benoit, M.; Charrier, R.; Farías, M.; Rojas, A.
2017 Journal of South American Earth Sciences 77
The doubly vergent inverted structures in the Mesozoic basins of northern Chile (28°S): A comparative analysis from field data and analogue modeling
Martínez, F.; Cristallini, E.
2016 Journal of Structural Geology 92
Benchmarking analogue models of brittle thrust wedges
Schreurs, G.; Buiter, S. J. H.; Boutelier, J.; Burberry, C.; Callot, J. P.; Cavozzi, C.; Cerca, M.; Chen, J. H.; Cristallini, E.; Cruden, A. R.; Cruz, L.; Daniel, J. M.; Da Poian, G.; Garcia, V. H.; Gomes, C. J. S.; Grall, C.; Guillot, Y.; Guzman, C.; Hidayah, T. N.; Hilley, G.; Klinkmüller, M.; Koyi, H. A.; Lu, C. Y.; Maillot, B.; Meriaux, C.; Nilfouroushan, F.; Pan, C.; Pillot, D.; Portillo, R.; Rosenau, M.; Schellart, W. P.; Schlische, R. W.; Take, A.; Vendeville, B.; Vergnaud, M.; Vettori, M.; Wang, S.; Withjack, M. O.; Yagupsky, D. L.; Yamada, Y.
2016 Tectonophysics 671
Tectonic models for the Patagonian orogenic curve (southernmost Andes): An appraisal based on analog experiments from the Fuegian thrust-fold belt
Torres Carbonell, P. J.; Guzmán, C.; Yagupsky, D.; Dimieri, L. V.
2016 Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research 310
Characterization of the hydrothermal system of the Tinguiririca Volcanic Complex, Central Chile, using structural geology and passive seismic tomography
Pavez, C.; Tapia, F.; Comte, D.; Gutiérrez, F.; Lira, E.; Charrier, R.; Benavente, O.
2015 Andean Geology 42(1)
Neogene structure of the Andean Precordillera, Argentina: insights from analogue models
Oriolo, S.; Cristallini, E. O.; Japas, M. S.; Yagupsky, D. L.
2015 Journal of South American Earth Sciences 64(2)
Detrital and volcanic zircon U-Pb ages from southern Mendoza (Argentina): An insight on the sources regions in the northern part of Neuquén Basin
Naipauer, M.; Tapia, F.; Mescua, J.; Farías, M.; Pimentel, M.; Ramos, V.
2015 Journal of Geodynamics 88
Late Cenozoic contractional evolution of the current arc-volcanic region along the southern Central Andes (35°20'S)
Tapia, F.; Farías, M.; Naipauer, M.; Puratish, J.
2014 Journal of Structural Geology 66
Distribution of active faulting along orogenic wedges: Minimum-work models and natural analogue
Yagupsky, D. L.; Brooks, B. A.; Whipple, K. X.; Duncan, C. C.; Bevis, M.
2014 Journal of Geodynamics 79
Transtensional tectonics induced by oblique reactivation of previous lithospheric anisotropies during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic rifting in the Neuquén basin: insights from analog models
Bechis, F.; Cristallini, E. O.; Giambiagi, L. B.; Yagupsky, D. L.; Guzmán, C. G.; García, V. H.
2013 Tectonophysics 590
Along-strike structural variations in the Southern Patagonian Andes: Insights from physical modeling
Likerman, J.; Burlando, J. F.; Cristallini, E. O.; Ghiglione, M. C.
2012 Journal of Structural Geology 42
Andean oblique folds in the Cordillera Oriental-Northwestern Argentina: Insights from analogue models
Payrola, P. A.; Hongn, F.; Cristallini, E.; García, V.; del Papa, C.
2011 Revista de la Asociación Geológica Argentina 68(4)
Evolución del campo de esfuerzos horizontal desde el eoceno a la actualidad en la cuenca neuquina
Guzmán, C. G.; Cristallini, E. O.; García, V. H.; Yagupsky, D. L.; Bechis, F.
2009 Trabajos de Geología 29(29)
Numerical modeling of interplay between growth folds and fluvial-alluvial erosion-sedimentation processes
García, V. H.; Cristallini, E. O.
2009 Revista de la Asociación Geológica Argentina 65(2)
Controles precuyanos en la estructura de la Cuenca Neuquina
Cristallini, E.; Tomezzoli, R.; Pando, G.; Gazzera, C.; Martínez, J. M.; Quiroga, J.; Zambrano, O.
2008 Journal of Structural Geology 30(7)
Oblique half-graben inversion of the Mesozoic Neuquén Rift in the Malargüe Fold and Thrust Belt, Mendoza, Argentina: New insights from analogue models
Yagupsky, D. L.; Cristallini, E. O.; Fantín, J.; Valcarce, G. Z.; Bottesi, G.; Varade, R.
2007 Geology 35(1)
Have the southernmost Andes been curved since Late Cretaceous time? An analog test for the Patagonian Orocline
Ghiglione, M. C.; Cristallini, E. O.
2007 Tectonics 26(3)
Contemporary stress orientations in the Andean retroarc between 34°S and 39°S from borehole breakout analysis
Guzmán, C.; Cristallini, E.; Bottesi, G.
2004 Geological Society of America Bulletin 116(7-8)
True three-dimensional trishear: A kinematic model for strike-slip and oblique-slip deformation
Cristallini, E. O.; Giambiagi, L.; Allmendinger, R. W.
2002 Journal of Structural Geology 24(2)
Backlimb trishear: a kinematic model for curved folds developed over angular fault bends
Cristallini, E. O.; Allmendinger, R. W.
2001 Journal of Structural Geology 23(12)
Pseudo 3-D modeling of trishear fault-propagation folding
Cristallini, E. O.; Allmendinger, R. W.
No publications found with those criteria.