Earth and Planetary Dynamics
In the Earth and Planetary Dynamics theme we pursue an understanding of the physicochemical properties that determine the evolution and current structure of the Earth and other Solar System bodies and hence cover a broad spectrum of geoscientific topics. This includes information on the formation and evolution of these bodies through physical and chemical observations of terrestrial rocks and fluids and extraterrestrial materials (meteorites and material obtained via sample return missions).
We focus on the dynamics of the Earth’s crust and mantle as well as seismic observations and their interpretation on Earth and other planets. High-pressure experiments and the development of numerical models help us to investigate the physics and chemistry of the Earth’s mantle and understand Earth’s plate movements, mantle convection and hotspot formation. The tools employed include geophysical imaging, experimental petrology, isotope geochemistry, remote sensing, high-performance simulations, and numerical modelling, all supported by state-of-the-art experimental, analytical and super-computing infrastructure.
The study of earthquake prediction and risk assessment, and the use of seismic waveforms to understand the Earth’s structure and tectonic movements is also a highly important topics in this field. To complete the Earth and Planetary Dynamics theme, some researchers are analysing isotopes in rocks and meteorites to understand the evolution of planets and the origin of the solar system.
Involved research groups
- chevron_right Earth and Planetary Magnetism
- chevron_right Experimental Mineral Physics
- chevron_right Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
- chevron_right Volcanology and Magmatic Petrology
- chevron_right Seismology and Geodynamics
- chevron_right Seismology and Wave Physics
- chevron_right Planetary Geochemistry
- chevron_right Experimental Planetology
- chevron_right High Pressure Geology