Geodynamics

Summary

Geodynamics is the part of geophysics that studies how the solid Earth deforms and flows, and what forces and heat drive these motions. It applies continuum mechanics, the heat equation and fluid dynamics to the crust, the mantle and the core. Its main subjects include plate tectonics, mantle convection, flexure of the lithosphere and postglacial rebound. It links observations at the surface, such as heat flow, gravity, topography and earthquakes, to processes deep inside the Earth.