Shoufa Lin

Dr. Shoufa Lin is a Professor of structural geology and tectonics at the University of Waterloo, Canada. His research focuses on the structural and tectonic evolution of orogenic belts, the kinematic and tectonic significance of shear zones, Archean tectonics and the structural control and modification of mineral deposits.

A defining aspect of Lin’s work is his contribution to Archean tectonics, particularly the question of when and how plate tectonics began on Earth, and its implications for mineralization. More broadly, his research integrates field based structural geology with geochronology, petrology and tectonic analysis to understand deformation processes across geological timescales and diverse tectonic settings.

Lin has conducted extensive field research in Canada, China and Australia, working in major cratonic and orogenic systems including the Canadian Shield, the Appalachian and Cordilleran orogens, South China, the North China Craton, the Central Asian Orogenic Belt and the Australian cratons. He also works closely with the mineral industry on the structural and tectonic controls of mineral systems, particularly gold deposits in Archean and Proterozoic terrains. He is the recipient of several national and international research awards and is widely recognized for his scientific contributions and mentorship.

Lin’s research advances our understanding of how deformation, tectonics and crustal processes operate throughout Earth’s history, from Archean cratons to younger orogenic belts. By linking fundamental studies of tectonic processes with direct collaboration with the mineral industry, his work informs mineral exploration and resource development by improving geological models used in structurally complex terrains. Through this integration of basic and applied research, and through training students and early career scientists, his work contributes to both scientific discovery and the responsible use of Earth’s resources.

• Structural geology

• Plate tectonics

• Mineral and resource exploration

• Structural control and modification of mineral deposits

• 1992, PhD Geology, University of New Brunswick, Canada

• 1986, MSc Hefei University of Technology, China

• 1983, BSc Hefei University of Technology, China

• 2021, Outstanding Map Award, China Geological Survey

• 2018, Outstanding Contribution Award, China Geological Survey

• 2014, Outstanding Performance Award, University of Waterloo

• 2004, W.W. Hutchison Medal, Geological Association of Canada

• 2004, William Harvey Gross Medal, Mineral Deposits Division of the Geological Association of Canada

• 2001, Premier’s Research Excellence Award, Government of Ontario.

• 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 Chair for Graduate Studies and Post-Doctoral Affairs

• Mentorship Medal Committee Chair, Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences

• EARTH 238 - Introductory Structural Geology
  • Taught in 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025, 2026
• EARTH 390 - Methods in Geological Mapping
  • Taught in 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025
• EARTH 620 - Metamorphic Tectonites
  • Taught in 2021, 2022, 2025, 2026

* Only courses taught in the past 5 years are displayed.

• For the full list of Shoufa Lin's publications, please see Google Scholar.

• Wang, L.J., Lin, S., Xiao, W.J., (2023), Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks of South China: Their separate positions in Gondwana until early Paleozoic juxtaposition. Geology, v. 51, p. 723–727. https://doi.org/10.1130/G51362.1

• Lin, S., Beakhouse, G.P., (2013), Synchronous vertical and horizontal tectonism at late stages of Archean cratonization and genesis of Hemlo gold deposit, Superior craton, Ontario. Geology, v. 41, p. 359–362. https://doi.org/10.1130/G33887.1

• Lin, S. (2005). Synchronous vertical and horizontal tectonism in the Neoarchean: Kinematic evidence from a synclinal keel in the northwestern Superior Craton, Manitoba. Precambrian Research, v. 139, p. 181-194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precamres.2005.07.001

• Lin, S., Jiang, D., Williams, P.F. (1998). Transpression (or transtension) zones of triclinic symmetry: Natural example and theoretical modelling. In: Holdsworth, R.E., Strachan, R.A. & Dewey, J.F. (eds.), Continental transpressional and transtensional tectonics. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, No. 135, p. 41-57. https://doi.org/10.1144/GSL.SP.1998.135.01.04

• Lin, S., van Staal, C.R., Dubé, B. (1994). Promontory-promontory collision in the Canadian Appalachians. Geology, v. 22, p. 897-900. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1994)022%3C0897:ppcitc%3E2.3.co022%3C0897:ppcitc%3E2.3.co);2