Geodynamics

Conor Farrell

Conor Farrell is a PhD student at the University of Florence specialising in continental rift segmentation, with the Main Ethiopian Rift serving as his primary study region. His research combines analogue modelling and remote sensing techniques to investigate how rift segments evolve and connect during extension. This work is motivated by its applications to geothermal energy development. His broader research interests include the transition from continental to oceanic rifting, volcanic hazard assessment, and geothermal exploration.

Building the Earth in a sandbox

Conor Farrell and edited by Michaël Pons January 7, 2026

Building the Earth in a sandbox The Main Ethiopian Rift stretches for hundreds of kilometers through Ethiopia, a massive fracture where Africa is slowly tearing apart to birth a new ocean. However, the processes driving this continental breakup remain hidden deep beneath layers of volcanic rock and millions of years of geological history. Today, in a laboratory in the heart of the be ...[Read More]

Applying for a PhD in Geoscience: To do or not to do

Conor Farrell and edited by Michaël Pons August 27, 2025

"To do or not to do a PhD?", image generated by AI

Fresh out of your bachelor’s degree, or more commonly these days, your master’s degree, it can be tempting to pursue your PhD as quickly as possible. While there are compelling reasons to dive straight in, rushing into a PhD might not be your best choice. To be or not to be a researcher? Before you start firing off applications, take a step back. Forget any expectations you had ...[Read More]