Seismology of the Dynamic Deep Earth

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite contributions to this Special Issue of Geosciences, entitled “Seismology of the Dynamic Deep Earth”. Seismic analyses play a central role in elucidating the fundamental structure, dynamics, and evolution of the mantle and core, and investigations over the past few decades have characterized a number of phenomena that are not represented in standard, globally average models of Earth’s radial properties. Examples include upper mantle heterogeneities and anisotropy; fine-scale structures at, above, and below the core–mantle boundary; anisotropy and layering in the lowermost mantle as well as in the inner core; and massive low-velocity provinces in the lower mantle. Such phenomena directly relate to the temperature, chemistry, flow properties, and evolution of the mantle and core, thus motivating seismologists to continue to bring the interior into sharper focus. 

This Special Issue of Geosciences aims to attract seismology-based contributions that elucidate the Earth’s interior, from the deep lithosphere to the center of the planet. Both original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) seismic imaging of the deep lithosphere; subducting slabs; upper and/or lower mantle heterogeneity and anisotropy; D” phenomena; ultra-low-velocity zones; plumes; large low-velocity provinces; the core–mantle boundary region’s fine-scale structure; the outer core’s structure; and the inner core’s structure, heterogeneity, and anisotropy. While we are focused on seismic imaging, multidisciplinary approaches that aid in the interpretation of seismic findings are also welcomed. We anticipate a one-of-a-kind volume that highlights the current state of the seismic imaging of the deep Earth, spanning a wide breadth of methods and data, as well as their implications for the structure, mineralogy, convection, heat flow, and evolution of the Earth.

Prior to submitting a manuscript, we request that interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 150–300 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send these items to the Guest Editors Jonathan Wolf ([email protected]), Ed Garnero ([email protected]), and Sam  Hansen ([email protected]), or to the Geosciences editorial office ([email protected]). Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editors for the purpose of ensuring a proper fit within the scope of this Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo single-blind peer-review. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Abstract submission deadline:

July 20, 2024.

Notification of abstract acceptance:

August 10, 2024.

Dr. Jonathan Wolf
Prof. Dr. Edward Garnero
Prof. Dr. Samantha E. Hansen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Geosciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• deep Earth
• core
• sublithospheric mantle
• Earth structure
• Earth dynamics
• Earth history
• core–mantle boundary
• outer core
• seismic imaging