geodynamics

Bored by the Lower Mantle? Think Again!

Poulami Roy and edited by Pauline Gayrin October 22, 2025

Conceptual sketch illustrating the complexity of upwellings observed beneath hot spots. From Wamba et al 2023. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ade3723

Is the lower mantle boring? For a long time, the lower mantle was thought to be relatively featureless and uniform compared to the more dynamic upper mantle. But recent seismic observations are challenging that idea, especially when we look near the base of the mantle. Recent studies from Maureen Long’s group (Creasy et al. 2017, Wolf et al. 2019, Reiss et al. 2019, Wolf & Long, 2023) and othe ...[Read More]

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

Kai Li and edited by Pauline Gayrin 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]

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

Maaike Fonteijn and edited by Alexis Gauthier June 18, 2025

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]

Shaping the Future of EGU Geodynamics: A Conversation with the Incoming President

Garima Shukla and Laetitia Le Pourhiet June 4, 2025

traced and modified by Garima

Every leadership transition marks the beginning of a new chapter, bringing fresh perspectives, new priorities and opportunities for growth. This year, the EGU Geodynamics Division warmly welcomes Professor Laetitia Le Pourhiet as its new president. A renowned researcher at the Institut Universitaire de France and Sorbonne Université, Prof. Le Pourhiet steps into the role with a clear vision for th ...[Read More]