The research I am involved in is focused on geological expressions for the mechanics of earthquake ruptures. It is driven by theoretical advances in earthquake science and its implications for the structure of fault zones. I document and analyze structural elements and geomorphological patterns that express aspects of fault zone architecture. This is done under the microscope, in the outcrop, on digital elevation models and in various other scales and techniques. Together with geophysical observations, the obtained information is used to infer about the depth, symmetry properties and type of damage found in fault zones and to conclude about the plausible mechanisms that generate them in the light of theoretical expectations. In a parallel effort, I am trying to understand better the formation of pulverized fault zone rocks by generating them under controlled conditions in the laboratory. This is done at Brown University using the high pressure rotary shear apparatus and at Case Western Reserve University using the plate-impact and split Hopkinson Pressure Bar apparatuses.