Geology, Geophysics and Earth Surface

Geology and Geophysics examine the Earth system as a dynamic, evolving planet shaped by processes operating over timescales from seconds to billions of years, from deep-mantle flow and crystallization of rocks to earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and surface deformation. The section focuses on the physical mechanisms governing deformation, melting, faulting, plate motions, and surface evolution, as recorded in rocks, geophysical signals, and landscapes on Earth and other planetary bodies.

Research in the department integrates field and microscope observations, experimental studies, and geophysical measurements with numerical and data-driven modeling to investigate these processes across scales ranging from mineral microstructures and magnetic fabrics to fault zones, the formation of Earth’s lithosphere, plate boundaries, and landscapes. Collectively, this work advances a fundamental understanding of the solid Earth and planetary dynamics, as well as the processes shaping active and ancient tectonic systems.

Some Recent Publications:

Segall, Z., Elisha, B., Vapnik, Y., Galuskina, I., & Katzir, Y. (2025). Metamorphosed phosphorites in the Hatrurim Basin, Israel: implications for the Mottled Zone pyro-metamorphic event. International Geology Review. https://doi.org/10.1080/00206814.2025.2594636
Meher, B., Incel, S., Renner, J., & Boneh, Y. (2026). Experimental deformation of textured amphibolites in the semi-brittle regime: Microstructural signatures of dislocation-mediated deformation. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 131(1), e2025JB031852. https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JB031852