Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth

We probe Earth's processes from core to crust, and reveal how these shape our planet's surface

We aim to understand the diverse mix of processes driving the Earth system, whether this be:

  • the tectonics and structure of the Earth's crust and lithosphere;
  • the dynamics of plates and plumes;
  • the Earth's magnetism and chemistry; or
  • how much water is stored on and within our planet.

To understand how Earth's surface processes function not only today but also in recent and deep history, we study the surface dynamics of our planet, including rock exhumation, weathering and erosion, landscape evolution, sediment transport and deposition, and the processes occurring deep underwater around continental shelves. This includes hydrothermal systems, which we analyse to see how metals are leached, transported, deposited and dispersed by fluids in the Earth's crust and at the surface – critical for understanding how and where ore deposits form.

Our research into the Earth system is widely relevant and applicable for other planets in the Solar System, and can be applied to our near neighbours: Mars and Venus (see: Exploring Space).

Associated Research Groups

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3D Seismic Interpretation Research (3D@IC)

Using 3D seismic data to gain insight on geological processes in sedimentary basins
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Applied Modelling & Computation Group (AMCG)

Developing and applying innovative modelling techniques in Earth, nuclear, engineering and biomedical sciences
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Basins Research Group (BRG)

Using the sedimentary record to unravel tectonic and sedimentary processes in various environmental settings
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Centre for Reservoir Geophysics (CRG)

Exploring integrated reservoir management, characterisation and simulation, enhanced oil recovery, and more
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Engineering Scale Geology Research Group (ESGRG)

Applying cutting-edge advancements in geoscience to contemporary engineering applications
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Geodynamics: Core to Surface

Using experimental observation, data visualisation and numerical modelling to study the solid Earth
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Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre (IARC)

Characterising the processes and materials that dictate the nature of planetary bodies and systems
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MAss Spectrometry and Isotope Geochemistry at IC (MAGIC)

Using isotope geochemistry to tackle a broad variety of questions in Earth, environmental, and engineering sciences
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Natural Magnetism Group (NMG)

Using the magnetism of natural systems to solve problems in Earth, environmental and planetary science
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Novel Reservoir Modelling and Simulation (NORMS)

Developing and applying new methods to monitor and model fluid flow in subsurface reservoirs (from groundwater to magma to hydrocarbons)
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Palaeobiology

Using a diversity of techniques to examine palaeobiological problems, from deep-time diversity to phylogeny to rock-fossil interactions
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Subduction Margin Imaging in Large Experiments (SMILE)

Imaging and recovering physical property information from subduction zones using large offshore and onshore experiments

Associated events and seminars

You can see all previous and forthcoming seminars via the ESE Events and Seminars pages.

Associated members of staff

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