Geodynamics

Modeling the full spectrum of observed seismicity: Insights from friction laws, fault instability, and fault-zone mechanics

Navid Kheirdast and edited by Alexis Gauthier June 17, 2026

Introduction Despite advances in our understanding of rock mechanics, the frictional behavior of rocks, and the physics of instability in geological materials, the coexistence of slow and fast earthquakes, as well as various types of fault-zone seismic radiation such as tremor, remains enigmatic. Can fault mechanics and friction laws reproduce the full spectrum of observed seismicity? In this week ...[Read More]

(Almost) everything wrong with: Journey to the Centre of the Earth

Conor Farrell and edited by Michaël Pons June 10, 2026

Spoiler warning! Have you ever watched a science fiction movie and thought, huh, I wonder if that is actually possible? Now, I hope by the time the dinosaurs turned up during this film, that this transient thought had departed from your mind, but to satisfy the idle curiosity of those who wondered this during Journey to the Centre of the Earth, and perhaps even impart some geodynamical les ...[Read More]

Melting Glaciers Move Lithospheric Plates and Fluctuate Mid-ocean Ridges’ Spreading

Tao Yuan and edited by Prachi Kar June 3, 2026

(Photo by Robin Littlefield, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

The rise and fall of massive ice sheets have shaped Earth’s surface for millions of years, but their influence may extend far deeper than previously recognized. This week in News & Views, Tao Yuan, a PhD student at the University of Colorado Boulder, explores how glacial cycles can alter lithospheric plate motions and even modulate the spreading of mid-ocean ridges. The ongoing melting of glac ...[Read More]

The AI Revolution in Mining: Overhyped, Understood and Absolutely Unavoidable

Nicholas Vafeas and edited by Kleoniki Lydia Theodoridou May 27, 2026

An open-pit mine with a conceptual digital subsurface overlay, illustrating how Artificial Intelligence can help geologists visualise patterns beneath the surface. Source: Nicholas Vafeas

Artificial Intelligence has dominated the world across various sectors. However, it is yet to be decided whether the use of AI in Mineral Exploration (and more broadly in Geosciences) will diminish the expertise and know-how of Geologists or instead provide a valuable tool for the years ahead. In this week’s blog, Dr. Nicholas Vafeas shares his perspective on AI technology in the mining industry a ...[Read More]