Postdoctoral Scholar
Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences
University of California, Los Angeles
jordanww at epss dot ucla dot edu
I am a field-based structural geologist that studies convergent margin processes, from subduction initiation to continental collision to orogenic collapse. I start with fundamental observations on the geometry of rocks, incorporate pressure, temperature, and time data (P-T-t) to constrain their kinematic evolution, and finally try to put these histories in a geodynamic context. In my research, I apply this methodology from the micro- to macro-scales, using regional structural mapping, basin analysis, thermobarometry, geochronology, and comparison with numerical models to address outstanding problems in solid earth processes.
My current research interests center around subduction complexes–– their structural architecture, construction, and what they can tell us about steady-state vs discrete tectonic processes throughout Earth’s history.
Other ongoing research includes (1) using large-wavelength corrugations in hyperextended regions to make inferences about the strength and structure of the continental lithosphere and (2) identifying geologic records that can directly constrain plate kinematics (e.g., intra-arc shear zones, accreted ocean plate stratigraphy, etc.) prior to when the seafloor isochron record begins.
Coast Mountains and North Cascades, British Columbia and Washington
Cedros Island and the Vizcaino Peninsula, (Baja CA)
Central Qiangtang Metamorphic Belt, Tibet
Wang, JW, Kapp, P., Holder, R., He, J., Hernández-Uribe, D., and Worthington, J., 2026, Polycyclic Metamorphism, Exhumation, and Recycling of Subduction Complex Rocks, Cedros Island, Baja California: Tectonics, v. 45, no. 4, p. e2025TC009340.
Gehrels, G., Wang*, J.W., Kapp, P., and Pecha, M., 2026, Sinistral shear zones along the central and southern portions of coastal British Columbia, Canada, in Gordon, S. M., Miller, R. B., Rusmore, M. E., and Tikoff, B., eds., Jurassic–Paleogene Tectonic Evolution of the North American Cordillera, Volume 565, Geological Society of America, p. 119-131.
Ma, A., He, J. J. Y., Hu, X., Kapp, P., Wang, Y., Wang, J. W., Li, L., Liang, W., Wang, X., and Li, K., 2025, Early to middle Eocene (50–43 Ma) Xianqian Basin in central Tibet: Archives of arid paleoenvironments and a southward plateau uplift trend:
Kapp, PA, Jepson, G, Carrapa, B, Schaen, AJ, He, JJY, Wang, JW, 2023, Laramide bulldozing of lithosphere beneath the Arizona transition zone, southwestern United States: Geology, v. 51, p. 952-956, doi:10.1130/g51194.1.
Davis, GH, Orent, EB, Clinkscales, C, Ferroni, FR, Gehrels, GE, George, SW, ... Wang, JW, 2023, Structural Analysis and Chronologic Constraints on Progressive Deformation within the Rincon Mountains, Arizona: Implications for Development of Metamorphic Core Complexes: Geological Society of America Memoirs Vol. 222.
Wang, JW, Gehrels, GE, Kapp, PA, Sundell, K, 2023, Evidence for regionally continuous Early Cretaceous sinistral shear zones along the western flank of the Coast Mountains, coastal British Columbia, Canada: Geosphere, v. 19, p. 139-162, doi:10.1130/ges02502.1