Geodynamics

edited by Michaël Pons

Michaël Pons is a postdoc at GFZ. He is working on the modeling of subduction processes associated with the formation of the Andes, as well as global-scale modeling. His research interests range from mantle and lithosphere dynamics to surface processes.

Cratons: building blocks of continents and their economic importance

Arijit Chakraborty, edited by Constanza Rodriguez Piceda and edited by Michaël Pons December 17, 2025

A map showing how mineral deposits are often concentrated along the edges of the thick lithosphere. The coloured boxes represent distribution of large igneous intrusions, which contains Ni-Cu-PGE deposits and the circles represent distribution of carbonatites which might contain REEs (Lithosphere thickness data from Priestley et al, 2024, Carbonatite locations from Liu et al., 2022, large igneous intrusion locations from Smith and Maier, 2021)

The 4.5 billion years of geologic evolution has shaped the tectonic processes in Earth we see today. Over the span of time, Earth has changed from being a magma ocean to a tectonically active planet, by transitioning through different tectonic regimes. A silent witness of this journey have been cratons which have survived for billions of years. Therefore cratons preserve clues of past tectonic pr ...[Read More]

Human civilization must survive on geological times: Why and How?

Taras Gerya, Bob Stern and edited by Michaël Pons December 10, 2025

Retrospection on humanity’s place and role in a quiet galaxy

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]

Between the Volcano and the Deep Blue Sea: Tales from Montserrat (Part 2)

Lorenzo Mantiloni, edited by Michaël Pons and edited by Constanza Rodriguez Piceda January 15, 2025

View of Soufrière Hills Volcano from Saint George's Hills, May 16th, 2024.

In 1995, the Caribbean Island of Montserrat was shaken by the beginning of one of the most significant volcanic eruptions in recent history: one that profoundly changed the natural, social and economical landscape of the country. Three decades later, Soufrière Hills Volcano and its legacy of destruction still shape the lives of Montserrat’s people. Last October, we took you on the first half of ou ...[Read More]