Tinted detail of a photo: Aerial view of steep limestone mountain ridges whose pale rock layers are tilted almost vertical, with green grassy slopes between them, a deep shadowed valley and a building with a mast on the left summit.
TS
Tectonics and Structural Geology

Tectonics and Structural Geology

From Fault Architecture to Grain-Scale Deformation: Integrating Field, Microstructural, and Experimental Approaches

From Fault Architecture to Grain-Scale Deformation: Integrating Field, Microstructural, and Experimental Approaches

Fault zones are far more complex than the lines we draw on geological maps. Their internal structures, mineralogical compositions, and deformation histories offer important clues to deformation mechanisms and even how earthquakes might occur. But how can we connect what we observe in the field with the microscopic processes and mechanical behaviour of faults at …[Read More]

Pathways of force within granular layers

Pathways of force within granular layers

Earth’s surface is covered by many kinds of granular materials, including sediments and soils. Below ground, grains are also widespread in unconsolidated deposits and fault zones; even polycrystalline rocks deep inside the Earth are made up of mineral grains. These materials deform under their own weight and external forces, but what forces act inside them? …[Read More]

Conference “at home”

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Apart from scientific exchange and networking opportunities, conferences normally provide the chance to go places, to get out of the office, and see something new. But what happens when the conference is taking place in your home town? At your university? On your campus? Does this differ from going to other conferences or not at …[Read More]

Geomythology. Neotectonics and Monasticism

Geomythology. Neotectonics and Monasticism

With today’s post, I would like to temporarily leave (geo)myths behind and enter (geo)history. I was first introduced to the following historical account by Professor Francesco Brozzetti of the University of Chieti (Italy), whose extensive knowledge of the Apennines of Central Italy extends well beyond geology. Geological Origins of Monasticism This is the brief history …[Read More]

TS division at EGU26 and beyond

TS division at EGU26 and beyond

With the EGU General Assembly 26 approaching, now is the time to review the division’s activities! Thanks to the efforts of all the conveners, and the division officers the scientific programme of our division is once again very rich and reflects the evolution of the field. Sessions The sessions are organised into nine blocks: TS1 …[Read More]

Exploring Earth’s interior with analogue models: The case of slow earthquakes

Analogue experimental setup of spherical hydrogel suspension.

Have you ever heard of “analogue modelling”? In solid Earth science, directly observing the Earth’s interior is challenging, and the analogue modelling approach often overcomes this limitation by using alternative systems analogous to natural phenomena. By identifying fundamental mechanisms in these tractable systems, we can apply physical scaling laws to understand processes deep within the …[Read More]

Finding Geothermal Energy with Structural Geologists!

Finding Geothermal Energy with Structural Geologists!

Imagine harnessing the Earth’s natural warmth to heat our homes and generate clean electricity. That is the promise of geothermal energy. It taps into the heat from beneath the Earth’s surface, providing a consistent and low-carbon power source. Geothermal energy plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions because it produces very little greenhouse gas …[Read More]