Vening Meinesz
Research School of Geodynamics

Research structure & plan

Research structure

VMSG research is structured into three programmes, each of which comprises an internally consistent and closely connected part of the entire programme:

• Programme A: Earth structure, planetary dynamics, and geopotential fields
• Programme B: Evolution and dynamics of the crust/lithosphere system
• Programme C: Earth materials: properties and processes

The three programmes serve to structure the VMSG activities, but are not meant to represent separate programmes. Connections and interactions between the programmes are considered to be vital and receive special attention. Several research groups and also individual researchers contribute to more than one programme.

Since January 2002, former separate programmes D: The Earth's gravity field and E: Space-geodetic and terrestrial measurement systems and geokinematics have been integrated in programmes A en B.

Research plan

Insight into the dynamics of the solid Earth is crucial for deepening our understanding of the processes occurring at or near the Earth's surface. This is valid for both continents and oceans, including their interactions with the atmosphere.

Modern geodynamical research is not only characterized by multi-disciplinarity but also by a high degree of pluriformity: it encompasses data acquisition through geological and geophysical field studies, international networks of observational facilities, and Earth-oriented space research, as well as data processing methods and inversion theory, mathematical-physics, computational science and numerical modelling, and experimental and theoretical studies of Earth material behaviour.

For decades geodynamic research has significantly contributed to the scientific basis for the exploration of hydrocarbons and mineral resources. It plays a very similar role in studies of geological hazards, notably those associated with volcanic and seismic activity. Thus, apart from fundamental scientific motivations, geodynamic research bears relevance for - and is closely connected to - present-day research themes such as Global Change and Natural Hazard Reduction. The rapidly increasing role of Earth-oriented space research in geodynamics is particularly evident in this context.

The backbone of the VMSG programme concerns the fundamental science aspects of geodynamics, thereby contributing to strengthening the scientific basis for applied research in the above-mentioned fields of exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons, mineral resources and water, and of environment and geological hazards.