Internal motions in the mantle are fundamental drivers of crustal geology and the evolution of the planet.

The mantle flows by convection, which is driven by sinking tectonic plates and rising mantle plumes.  Research topics include detailed numerical and laboratory modelling of mantle convection, including subduction and plumes, and the thermal and geochemical evolution of the mantle.

The work complements work in geochronology and geochemistry, seismology, tectonics and subduction zones.  It is also relevant to hazards from earthquakes and tsunamis.