Computational Geodynamics

The computational geodynamics group studies a wide range of disciplines including planetary evolution, plate tectonics, geodynamics, seismology, active tectonics, geothermal energy and landscape evolution.

Computational modelling adds the dimension of time to snapshots of information found in the geological record. It allows the quantitative study of deep-Earth and surficial processes occurring at different temporal and spatial scales.

Statistical approaches enable better scrutiny and interpretation of geologic and seismologic data. We use statistics for probabilistic forecasting of earthquake surface rupture displacements and the distribution and severity of associated earthquake phenomena. Geospatial analyses of large datasets such as LiDAR-derived digital terrain models enable us to characterise Earth deformation with unprecedented accuracy and precision.

Current research questions include:

How does Earth’s interior deform on time scales of millions to billions of years?
How do continents deform in response to plate motions?
What is the effect of plate-mantle interaction in basin creation, surface topography, and evolution of associated drainage systems and mountain belts?
How can paleoseismic and historical seismicity data contribute to our understanding of processes including fault rupture, rockfall, and liquefaction?

Using state of the art high performance computing facilities and our own, purpose-built software packages, researchers within our group are attempting to understand the Earth’s past, present and future.

We work across all geological timescales including connecting early Earth evolution to present day geology and geological processes, and, at the other extreme, comparing the nature and effects of geologic phenomena prior to, and after, human influence (i.e., Anthropocene).

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