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Geodynamics

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A New Look at the Rheology of Deep Subduction Zones

and November 27, 2024
A New Look at the Rheology of Deep Subduction Zones
Field photos of shear zones from Syros Island, Greece. Photo credit: Ana Lorena Abila

Subduction zones are dynamic regions where intense geological processes like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and the recycling of oceanic crust are constantly at play. A key factor that influences the behavior of these zones is *interface rheology*—the strength and viscosity of the boundary (the interface) between the subducting and overriding plates. Understanding this interface is crucial for i ...[Read More]

DYNAMICE: An ERC Starting grant project to bridge the gap between geodynamics and ice modelling

and November 20, 2024
DYNAMICE: An ERC Starting grant project to bridge the gap between geodynamics and ice modelling
Figure 1: DYNAMICE is an ERC Stg project starting in May, 2025, to explore the impact of anisotropic viscosity on the interplay between ice and mantle dynamics. Logo design by Fabio Crameri (undertone.design)

In the 2024 ERC Starting Grant call, the European Research Council received nearly 3,500 proposals, of which approximately 14% were awarded funding. Among the 20 projects funded in the field of Earth System Sciences is DYNAMICE, led by Ágnes Király, the 2023 recipient of the EGU GD Division Outstanding Early Career Award. Through this blog, Ágnes will introduce us to her project. The vast ice shee ...[Read More]

The Great Green Paradox

and November 6, 2024
The Great Green Paradox
The policy cycle in the mineral resources industry. Illustrated by Emily Hinshaw.

The sustainable and responsible use of mineral resources is a challenging task, yet essential for the benefit of our society. In this week’s blog, Dr. Νicholas Vafeas, an economic Geologist with a rich background in energy and mineral resources policy, shares his views on the urgent need to develop a holistic approach that can help integrate sustainable practises without posing any further risks t ...[Read More]

4th Cargèse School on Earthquakes: Nucleation, Triggering, Rupture, and Relationships to Aseismic Processes

October 30, 2024
Group photograph of the participants of the 4th edition of Cargèse school on earthquakes. Credit: Anthony Sladen.
Participants of the 4th edition of Cargèse school on earthquakes. Credit: Anthony Sladen.

How do earthquakes nucleate? How do they arrest? Can we predict or control them? How do fault zone structure and rheology influence rupture? What do earthquakes in the lab tell us? How does fluid injection modulate seismicity? The Institut des Etudes Scientifiques de Cargèse (IESC) premise in Corsica, France was abuzz with discussions about these and many other related questions this October. The ...[Read More]