Geodynamics

Geodynamics studies the forces and processes shaping Earth’s interior and surface—such as mantle convection, plate tectonics, crustal deformation, and lithosphere dynamics.

🌍 Key Topics

  • Plate tectonics modeling
  • Mantle convection
  • Lithospheric stress fields
  • Crustal deformation
  • Thermal & mechanical modeling
  • Subduction dynamics
  • Planetary geodynamics

🔧 Open-Source Tools

ASPECT

Advanced geodynamics modeling using FEM.
🔗 https://github.com/geodynamics/aspect

CitcomS

Spherical/2D mantle convection modeling.
🔗 https://github.com/geodynamics/citcoms

Underworld

Geodynamics & geophysical modeling framework.
🔗 https://github.com/underworldcode/underworld2

PyLith

Crustal deformation and earthquake cycle simulation.
🔗 https://github.com/geodynamics/pylith

🌐 Data Sources

EarthScope Consortium

Crustal deformation, seismic tomography.
🔗 https://www.earthscope.org

Harvard/Caltech Tomography Models

🔗 https://www.seismology.harvard.edu

🎥 YouTube Playlists

  • Mantle Convection Simulations (ASPECT tutorials)
    🔗 https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=aspect+geodynamics

  • Geodynamics Courses (OpenCourseWare)
    🔗 https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=geodynamics+course

📘 Open Course Notes

  • Geodynamics, MIT OpenCourseWare
    🔗 https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/12-501-tectonics-spring-2020/

  • Geodynamics by Turcotte & Schubert (public notes summaries)
    🔗 https://www.earth.ox.ac.uk/~pbrooks/GEODYNAMICS/