GD
Geodynamics

Wit & Wisdom

Growing geological Christmas trees: salt ‘Christmas-tree’ structures explained

and December 3, 2025
Regional profile through salt structures in the eastern part of the Dutch graben, southern North Sea
Figure 1: Regional profile through salt structures in the eastern part of the Dutch graben, southern North Sea (adapted from Butler, 2022).

As geoscientists, we tend to see geology everywhere. Around Christmas, many people stare at decorated fir trees and twinkling lights; salt tectonicists stare at seismic lines and outcrops and see… trees as well. Tall stems, branching limbs, stacked “tiers” of material; a whole forest of geological Christmas trees hiding in the subsurface. In salt provinces around the world, from the Flinders Range ...[Read More]

Dislocation Creep and the Development of Deformation Fabrics

October 29, 2025
Dislocation Creep and the Development of Deformation Fabrics

Assume you are under stress. What do you do? Take a walk in the park, order your favorite takeout, have a breakdown, or internally slip along preferred slip systems and develop a fabric? The response will mostly depend on what kind of material you are, how much stress you are under, and what environmental conditions you are subjected to. For instance, someone might listen to classical music after ...[Read More]

From Rocks to Models: Reconciling Field Geology with Geodynamic Simulations

and September 10, 2025
From Rocks to Models: Reconciling Field Geology with Geodynamic Simulations

When reading a scientific paper or a text explaining the physical workings of the Earth, one of the most striking aspects is the methodological approach—sometimes involving numerical models, other times fieldwork and/or rock geochemistry. This diversity of approaches can initially cause some discomfort, a feeling that things are like square pegs in round holes. How can a computer model dialogue wi ...[Read More]

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

and August 27, 2025
Applying for a PhD in Geoscience: To do or not to do
"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]