Ph.D. 1993 (U. of Alberta); M.Sc. 1985 (U. of Alberta); B.Sc. 1983 (McGill)

Office:   Ocean, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences Building A423

Phone:  250-472-4481

Fax:      250-721-6200

Web:  http://web.uvic.ca/~stj

Subjects taught:  Structural Geology, Tectonics, Field School, Advanced Field School, Earth System Science

Research facilities:   Ocean, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences Building B311a

Research Statement

Dr. Johnston's research focusses on gaining a better understanding of the processes that shape mountain belts, and defining the role of mountains in the evolution of the earth's atmosphere, biosphere and continental lithosphere and deep mantle.  His research is rooted in field-based geological mapping of key parts of mountain belts, including the Cordillera of western North America, the circum-Mediterranean belts, and the Gondwanides of South Africa and Australia.  Multidisciplinary studies, including geophyscial investigations (paleomagnetism, geodetic surveys and reflection seismic studies), and geochemical and geochronological analyses are utilized to further constrain the geometry and evolution of mountain belts.  Models of mountain development and evolution are tested against tectonically-active regions, including the Apennines of southern Italy, and the Melanesian region of the southwest Pacific.  For example, climate modeling of the Snowball Earth, provides an opportunity to test links between tectonics, mountains and climate.

Publications