geodynamics

Exploring rheology of Earth’s materials: The marvels of high-temperature high-pressure deformation experiments

Subhajit Ghosh and edited by Giridas Maiti May 1, 2024

[Mylonitization in quartz rich rocks from Himalayan shear zone, from Ghosh et al., 2023]

The Earth, with its towering mountains, shifting tectonic plates, and dynamic geological processes, has always been a subject of fascination and inquiry for scientists. Amidst the vast array of scientific disciplines, one relatively small yet impactful field, known as experimental rock deformation, plays a crucial role in unraveling the mysteries hidden beneath the Earth’s surface. Though th ...[Read More]

Equilibrium Crustal Thickness and Dynamics of Earth’s Lithosphere: The Answer is 42.

Ajay Kumar and edited by Lorenzo Mantiloni March 13, 2024

There really is an answer, and now there is a question too - just deep below us rather than above. But then again, aren't up and down just conventions? Figure courtesy: Emily Hinshaw.

“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” had the answer; we think we have the right question. This week, Ajay Kumar from IISER Pune, India, will take us on a journey to the depths of the Earth’s lithosphere – a world as mysterious as the farthest reaches of the Universe. We will see what the thickness of the Earth’s crust can tell us about the balance between the ...[Read More]

H2 production associated with mantle wedge hydration in subduction zones

Alexis Gauthier and edited by Betti Hegyi February 14, 2024

Zoom in the H2 production zone. (Image credit: Alexis Gauthier)

Dihydrogen (H2) is a promising source of energy that may allow reducing carbon emissions in industry and transportation. Artificial production methods have been explored, natural sources of H2 (also called white dihydrogen) offer a more eco-friendly and cost-effective production process. In this week’s blog post, Alexis Gauthier, a PhD student from ISTeP, France, is discussing the H2 production pr ...[Read More]

Multiengine-driving Tethyan evolution

Zhong-Hai Li and edited by Zhibin Lei January 17, 2024

The highest mountain range in the Alps in the Western Europe, the towering peaks of the Himalayas in Asia, and ~1/3 world crude oil production in the middle east – what brings these remarkable nature gift together? The answer is Tethyan orogenic belt, which spans across the entire Eurasian continent. This week, we are privileged to have Prof. Zhong-Hai Li from the University of Chinese Academy of ...[Read More]