Earth Structure and Dynamics

Overview

The  Earth Structure and Dynamics  programme at Utrecht University  combines geology, geophysics, mathematics, physics, chemistry and field studies to address how the solid Earth works. It allows you to specialise in virtually any aspect of solid Earth science, ranging from theoretical geophysics to pure geology or geochemistry. Many students choose a combined geology-geophysics focus.

Core areas of teaching and research

The main subject areas you will study consist of seismology, tectonophysics, mantle dynamics, structural geology, metamorphism, magmatic processes, sedimentary basin evolution, properties of Earth materials, including their relevance for sustainable, unconventional and conventional geo-resources. 

You will examine processes ranging from slow geodynamic processes - such as mantle convection, plate tectonics and mountain building - to those having an impact on human time scales. 

These include active crustal deformation, seismicity and volcanism, as well as subsidence, uplift and seismicity induced by hydrocarbon production, geological storage of CO2 and geothermal energy as well as applied and environmental mineral physics topics. 

You will work at scales ranging from satellite imagery and field observations to laboratory experiments and petrographic studies, and from global seismic tomography to electron microscopy. 

Observational data are linked to the Earth’s internal structure and to geodynamic processes through modelling, using the latest theoretical, physical, experimental and computational methods.

In the programme, you will address questions such as:

• How do mountain belts and sedimentary basins form? 
• How can we image the internal structure of the crust and mantle? 
• How does plate tectonics really work and how can we model it? 
• What controls volcanic eruptions and earthquakes? 
• Can CO2, renewable H2 and radioactive waste be safely stored in the subsurface?
• How best to locate sustainable geo-resources, such as geothermal energy and mineral resources such as lithium?

Careers

Many of our graduates go on to find employment in research. Depending on your personal interests and ambitions, you will be equipped to work in both fundamental and applied research. 

You can pursue a career in applied research in government institutes, consulting firms, or various industries. Typical professional profiles of our graduates include Solid Earth Specialist, Geologist, and Geophysicist.

Knowledge of large-scale and long-term processes provides you with a good basis for managing major environmental issues. The numerous global-change issues currently facing us mean you can pursue a variety of employment opportunities.

Accreditation

Accredited by the NVAO - Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.