Earth's Interior, Geodynamics and Tectonics

We study the Earth's structure and geodynamics on all scales, from the core-mantle boundary to convection in our planet's deep interior and plate tectonic processes such as mountain building, continental deformation and faulting. 

We make use of observations such as GPS, InSAR and geomorphology, as well as experiments of crustal and mantle minerals. Cambridge is a founding member of The UK Centre for Observation and Modelling of Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tectonics (COMET). 

Ongoing research includes: active continental faulting and earthquakes in Iran, India and Nepal, rifting and volcanism in Iceland, mantle convection, slow slip events in subduction zones, and the thickness of the lithosphere and the nature of the Earth’s core. 

We deploy networks of seismometers in regions such as Iceland, Indonesia, and the Himalaya. In volcanic regions like Iceland, this seismic data contributes to a broader programme of monitoring active volcanoes. Additionally, we maintain ongoing collaborations with colleagues in Indonesia to assess earthquake risk in Borneo.