UT Institute for Geophysics

Understanding the Earth and other planets to solve key problems that affect us all. The world needs geophysicists!

  • About
    • Institutional History
    • Mission & Science
    • Code of Conduct
    • Postdoctoral Fellowships
    • Contact
    • Outreach
      • UT Austin Science Olympiad
  • News
    • Media Releases
    • Geophysics Blog
    • In the News
    • Staff and Student Awards
    • Media Contacts
  • Research
    • Climate
    • Polar and Planetary
    • Energy
    • Marine Geosciences, Seismology and Tectonics
  • Staff
    • Research Scientists
    • Postdoctoral Fellows
    • Administrative Staff
    • Scientific Support Staff
    • Research Affiliates
    • Find an Expert
  • Students
    • Current Students
    • Recent Graduates
    • Meet the UTIG Student
    • Prospective Students
    • UT Marine Geology & Geophysics Field Course
  • Seminars
  • Jobs

November 10, 2021

Fate of Sinking Tectonic Plates is Revealed

Layers of rock in a hillside

Our world’s surface is a jumble of jostling tectonic plates, with new ones emerging as others are pulled under. The ongoing cycle keeps our continents in motion and drives life on Earth. But what happens when a plate disappears into the planet’s interior? The question has long puzzled scientists because conventional wisdom said that sinking… Continue Reading Fate of Sinking Tectonic Plates is Revealed

Filed Under: homepage-news, Media Releases, News Tagged With: computational geoscience, earthquakes, Oden Institute, plate tectonics, slab segmentation, slabs, strong plates weak slabs, subduction, subduction zones, Thorsten Becker

Tweets by UTGeophysics

University of Texas Institute for Geophysics

J.J. Pickle Research Campus,
Building 196
10100 Burnet Road (R2200)
Austin, TX 78758-4445

Phone: 512-471-6156
Fax: 512-471-2370

Driving Directions

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

QUESTIONS?

General: frontdesk@ig.utexas.edu

Website & Media:
social@ig.utexas.edu

RESOURCES

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Code of Conduct
Employee Travel Guide
Quiet Room
Gender Inclusive Restroom

Research Facilities

Fact Sheet
Brochure
Science Vision Plan
Publications Database

HELPFUL LINKS

Directory (EID)

Job Listings

COVID-19 Information and Resources
Texas Seismograms
Texas ScholarWorks
UTIG on Google Scholar

UTIG Newsletter

OUR PARTNERS

Bureau of Economic Geology

Department of Geological Sciences

Center for Planetary Systems Habitability

Visit the Jackson School's website

Copyright © 2023 University of Texas Institute for Geophysics
The University of Texas at Austin · Web Privacy Policy · Web Accessibility Policy