GD
Geodynamics

Early Career Scientists

From Mountains to Oceans: How the memory of ancient orogens guides the rupture of continents

and October 15, 2025
Picture showing an orogen that transform in a rift
Modified from François et al., 2022.

In this new blog, Dr. Kai Li (GFZ Potsdam) talk about his PhD work, where he used accordion numerical models to explore the tectonic history of the South China Sea. His PhD research focuses on the impact of orogenic inheritance on rifts and rifted margins, employing advanced geodynamic modeling techniques. Have you ever tried to fit the west coast of Africa and the east coast of South America toge ...[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]

Resisting self-guilt as a PhD student

August 6, 2025
Resisting self-guilt as a PhD student

Self-guilt is a common feeling among PhD students. It often leads us to devalue ourselves more harshly than is fair and to form unrealistic expectations. It is important to understand how it shows up in our daily work, what fuels it, and how we can resist it — because over time, it can quietly undermine both our well-being and our work. The ideas below are the results of group discussions that hav ...[Read More]

What drives the extensional deformation in the central Apennines (Italy)?

and June 18, 2025
What drives the extensional deformation in the central Apennines (Italy)?

The central Mediterranean is a geodynamically complex region shaped by the interaction of multiple active subduction zones. In Italy, the central Apennines display a distinctive pattern of surface deformation that is proposed to be linked to a slab break-off beneath the area. In this week’s blog post, Maaike, a PhD student at ISTerre in Grenoble, France, explores the key processes driving surface ...[Read More]