Shoufa Lin

• Structural geology, plate tectonics
• Mineral and resource exploration

Professor Lin's research focuses on structural geology and its applications to the study of and exploration for mineral deposits.

A major part of his research is concerned with the structural and tectonic evolution of orogenic belts, Archean tectonics and kinematics and tectonic significance of shear zones.

His research into the economic aspects of structural geology deals with both structural controls on emplacement and structural modification of the geometry and location of mineral deposits.

Professor Lin's research is mostly field based with sites in the Canadian Appalachians, the Canadian Cordillera, the Superior and Slave cratons and other parts of Canada, and various parts of China.

Professor Lin leads the University of Waterloo's Science 2+2 exchange program with China.

His course offerings have included 

• Introductory Structural Geology;
• Advanced Structural Geology;
• Methods in Geological Field Mapping;
• various courses at the graduate level.

Please see Shoufa Lin's Google Scholar or ResearchGate profiles for a current list of his peer-reviewed articles.

Recent publications include

• Wu, M., Lin, S., Wan, Y., Gao, G., 2016. Crustal evolution of the Eastern Block in the North China Craton: constraints from zircon U-Pb geochronology and Lu-Hf isotopes of the Northern Liaoning Complex. Precambrian Research,        doi:10.1016/j.precamres.2015.12.013.
• Cleven, N.R., Lin, S., Xiao, W.J., 2015. The Hongliuhe fold-and-thrust belt: Evidence of terminal collision and suture-reactivation after the Early Permian in the Beishan orogenic collage, Northwest China. Gondwana Research, v. 27, p. 796–810.
• Cleven, N., Lin, S., Guilmette, C., Xiao, W., Davis, B. 2015.  Petrogenesis and implications for tectonic setting of Cambrian suprasubduction-zone ophiolitic rocks in the central Beishan orogenic collage, Northwest China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, v. 113, p. 369–390, doi:10.1016/j.jseaes.2014.10.038.
• Li, L., Lin, S., Xing, G., Ren, S., Li, J. 2014. Petrogenesis and mantle source characteristics of Cenozoic alkaline diabase, Jiangxi Province, southeastern China. International Geology Review, V. 56, No. 16, 1919–1931. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2014.971447.
• Li, L., Lin, S., Davis, D.W., Xiao, W., Xing, G., Yin, C., 2014. Geochronology and geochemistry of igneous rocks from the Kongling terrane: Implications for Mesoarchean to Paleoproterozoic crustal evolution of the Yangtze Block. Precambrian Research, v. 255, p. 30–47.

• 2014    Outstanding Performance Award
• 2004    W.W. Hutchison Medal of the Geological Association of Canada
• 2004    William Harvey Gross Medal of the Mineral Deposits Division of the Geological Association of Canada
• 2001    Ontario Premier’s Research Excellence Award
• 1998    Best Paper Award of the Structural Geology and Tectonics Division of the Geological Association of Canada
• 1993    Governor-General's Gold Medal
• 1992    Best Thesis Award of the Structural Geology and Tectonics Division of the Geological Association of Canada

• Associate Dean, International Programs, Faculty of Science
• Program head, Science 2+2 Program

• GEOLOGY Editorial Board Member

• Mentorship Medal Committee Chair, Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences