geodynamics
Planetary interior physics
Geodynamics is the study of forces and processes that shape the Earth's interior and surface—plate tectonics, mantle convection, mountain building, and similar large-scale phenomena.
The field combines geology, physics, and mathematics to understand how the planet deforms and evolves over time: Her research in geodynamics focuses on subduction zones.
Earth's crust mobility theory
- continental driftGradual landmass repositioning
- subductionPlate descending beneath another
- riftCrack or estrangement
- orogenyGeological mountain formation
faulting · folding · thrust · shear · extension · collision zone · accretion · terrane
Covering or wrap
- coreCentral essential portion
- lithosphereCrust plus upper mantle
- asthenosphereDuctile upper mantle layer
- heat flowMovement of thermal energy
convection · differentiation · isostasy · buoyancy · radioactive decay · thermal energy · earth's interior · inner core
Seismic ground movement
- faultImperfection or blame
- epicenterPoint above seismic origin
- hypocenterEarthquake's underground origin point
- magnitudeSize or scale
seismograph · seismometer · P-wave · S-wave · aftershock · foreshock · tremor · seismicity
Molten rock underground
- lavaErupted liquid stone
- eruptionViolent sudden release
- pyroclasticHot eruption debris
- calderaCollapsed volcanic summit basin
basalt · andesite · rhyolite · pumice · tephra · ash · vent · fumarole
Gravitational equipotential surface model
- GPSSatellite-based location technology
- datumSingle unit of information
- surveyingMeasuring and charting terrain
- triangulationLocation via three points
Numerical method using subdivisions
- viscosityFluid's flow resistance
- boundary conditionsValues specified at limits
- paleogeographyStudy of ancient Earth surfaces
plate tectonics
Earth's crust mobility theory
- continental driftGradual landmass repositioning
- subductionPlate descending beneath another
- riftCrack or estrangement
orogeny · faulting · folding · thrust · shear · extension · collision zone · accretion · terrane · craton
mantle
Covering or wrap
- coreCentral essential portion
- lithosphereCrust plus upper mantle
- asthenosphereDuctile upper mantle layer
heat flow · convection · differentiation · isostasy · buoyancy · radioactive decay · thermal energy · earth's interior · inner core · outer core
earthquake
Seismic ground movement
- faultImperfection or blame
- epicenterPoint above seismic origin
- hypocenterEarthquake's underground origin point
magnitude · seismograph · seismometer · P-wave · S-wave · aftershock · foreshock · tremor · seismicity · seismogram
magma
Molten rock underground
- lavaErupted liquid stone
- eruptionViolent sudden release
- pyroclasticHot eruption debris
caldera · basalt · andesite · rhyolite · pumice · tephra · ash · vent · fumarole · hotspot
geoid
Gravitational equipotential surface model
- GPSSatellite-based location technology
- datumSingle unit of information
- surveyingMeasuring and charting terrain
triangulation · gravimetry · reference frame · ellipsoid · sea level
finite element
Numerical method using subdivisions
- viscosityFluid's flow resistance
- boundary conditionsValues specified at limits
- paleogeographyStudy of ancient Earth surfaces
geodynamicsatmospheric science
Study of Earth's atmosphere
meteorology · climatology · oceanography · hydrology · space weather