Geodynamics

Paleogeography – A window into past mantle dynamics

Boris Robert and edited by Tobias Rolf March 3, 2021

Example of a paleogeographic reconstruction (Scotese, 2014) that shows the possible continent distribution on Earth at 201.6 Ma, featuring the supercontinent Pangea.

Paleogeography refers to the past distribution of landmasses and oceans and gives important insights into the state of previous tectonics. This is a useful cornerstone for many aspects of geodynamics and this week Boris Robert – previously postdoctoral fellow at the Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics Oslo (Norway) and currently visiting scientist at GFZ Potsdam (Germany) – tells us how we may ...[Read More]

First time… publishing a paper

Jamie Ward and edited by Anna Gülcher March 1, 2021

Image by @theFlatType

I can’t speak for anyone else, but finally getting a paper through comes with the great satisfaction of not having to deal with the project anymore. There’s a sense of relief, hope, and maybe excitement that the time that is now freed up can be used on other, new projects. Anyway, I am currently still in this honeymoon period so please don’t ruin it by telling me it will end soon. After recently s ...[Read More]

The Sassy Scientist – Out of Orbit

The Sassy Scientist February 26, 2021

After reading last week’s post Ilona asks how to switch research topics to something more impactful during their lifetime: How do I transition from a PhD in mantle convection to a postdoc in satellite geodesy? Dear Ilona, What a moon-shot you are aiming for! But, have no fear, nothing is impossible. Undoubtedly, space is cool. And looking from a distance at our lovely rock spinning and float ...[Read More]

The Indian Ocean Geoid Low at a plume-slab overpass

Elodie Kendall and edited by Anne Glerum February 24, 2021

Potsdam gravity potato (image: GFZ, 2011)

In this week’s News & Views, Postdoc Elodie Kendall from GFZ Potsdam shares with us recent work on the mantle structures that could explain the Indian Ocean Geoid Low. What is the geoid, what does it look like and what can it tell us about mantle structure? The geoid is a model of the shape of the oceans’ surface if only gravity and Earth’s rotation act ...[Read More]