Geodynamics

	(Top Panel) Thin section from experiment on deformation of partially molten rocks representative of the Earth's upper mantle.  Experiment shows that melt (dark regions) may organize into melt-rich networks, substantially changing the nature of the deformation.  (Bottom) Numerical model of porosity development during shear deformation, in an approximate simulation of the deformation experiment from the top panel.  Red depicts regions of high porosity (melt), while blue colors depict melt-free regions.  For full details of this experiment, see Katz et al., Nature, 676-679, 2006..

Geodynamics research in SG&T is focused on understanding the forces that drive deformation and tectonism in the solid Earth, and the role that rock rheology, physical state (solid or partially molten), and composition play in controlling such deformation.  The techniques include computational and laboratory studies of deformation and melt migration, and the application of observational geodetic and seismic techniques to probe these processes at the field scale.  SG&T's geodynamicists collaborate closely with colleagues in Deep Earth Structure and Earthquake Faulting, as well as geodynamics researchers in Lamont's MG&G and Geochemistry divisions.