Geodynamics

scientific theory that describes the large-scale motions of Earth's lithosphere

Isostasy () or isostatic equilibrium is the state of gravitational equilibrium between Earth's crust (or lithosphere) and mantle such that the crust "floats" at an elevation that depends on its thickness and density. This concept is invoked to explain how different topographic heights can exist at Earth's surface. Although originally defined in terms of continental crust and mantle, it has subsequently been interpreted in terms of lithosphere and asthenosphere, particularly with respect to oceanic island volcanoes, such as the Hawaiian Islands.

Geodynamics is a subfield of geophysics dealing with dynamics of the Earth. It applies physics, chemistry and mathematics to the understanding of how mantle convection leads to plate tectonics and geologic phenomena such as seafloor spreading, mountain building, volcanoes, earthquakes, or faulting. It also attempts to probe the internal activity by measuring magnetic fields, gravity, and seismic waves, as well as the mineralogy of rocks and their isotopic composition. Methods of geodynamics are also applied to exploration of other planets.

variation of temperature of Earth at different depths

upwelling of abnormally hot rock within the Earth's mantle

rise of land masses that were depressed by the huge weight of ice sheets during the last glacial period

hypothesis

slow creeping motion of Earth's solid silicate mantle caused by convection currents carrying heat from the interior to the planet's surface.

English mathematician (1863–1940)

accounting of the energy flows at and below the planet's crust

regional isostasy

theory in geography

thumb|349x349px|Simple model for transpression: strike-slip zone with an additional and simultaneous shortening across the zone. Also induces vertical uplift. In geology, transpression is a type of strike-slip deformation that deviates from simple shear because of a simultaneous component of shortening perpendicular to the fault plane. This movement ends up resulting in oblique shear. It is generally very unlikely that a deforming body will experience "pure" shortening or "pure" strike-slip. The relative amounts of shortening and strike-slip can be expressed in the convergence angle alpha whic

thumb|Animation of free (or Euler) nutation of a sphere thumb|upright=0.6| in obliquity of a planet caused by the Gravity|gravitational forces of other nearby bodies acting upon the planet

parameters describing a planet's rigidity

consolidation of the Earth's crust

science of materials that compose the interior of planets

geophysical theory

mathematical geophysicist

the sinking of large parts of the Earth's crust