Earth’s solid shell is made of stiff tectonic plates which can break apart to form new weak plate boundaries. We use numerical models of plate extension to investigate how mechanical properties control the concentration of deformation leading to such a boundary as hot mantle rises underneath. We highlight feedbacks, and quantify how and why, under various deformation mechanisms, the plate weakens as temperature and strain rate increase. We compare the model predictions to natural rifting cases.

This study investigates gas hydrate distribution in the Danube Fan, NW Black Sea. Using seismic data and drilling results, we analysed the structure, composition, and gas content of underconsolidated sediments. Gas hydrates are present in low concentration and patchy distribution. Free gas is trapped beneath the hydrate stability zone. The area shows signs of past slope failures linked to weak sediments and gas accumulation. The study provides insights into how gas hydrate systems evolve.

We studied Middle Triassic calc-alkaline rocks from the Alps–Dinarides transition zone to clarify their origin and tectonic provenance. Zircon geochronology dates them at 246 to 240 million years. Phengitic muscovite geobarometry reveals high-pressure, low-temperature (HP–LT) metamorphic overprint, indicating deep burial during Cretaceous Eoalpine subduction. Their present tectonic position reflects large-scale post-metamorphic extrusion, revising present understanding of the tectonics of the Alps–Dinarides transition zone.

Brunia is a Neoproterozoic crustal block whose pre-Variscan history is unclear. New U–Pb and Lu–Hf detrital zircon data from Devonian strata reveal two provenance types. Type-1 spectra reflect recycling of local Brunia arc sources and show isotopic similarity to West Avalonia, indicating a shared Neoproterozoic history. Type-2 spectra match Fennoscandian datasets, implying sediment input from the Caledonides and an Early Devonian connection between Brunia and Baltica.

By analyzing the faint, late-arriving seismic waves from large earthquakes, we can create accurate maps of Earth's deep core. This study provides a new mathematical foundation to confirm the reliability of this method, showing that precise measurements are possible even when earthquake sources are not perfectly distributed. Our findings help improve imaging of Earth's interior, making it more trustworthy.

Igneous intrusions that could be associated with volcanic eruptions on Earth’s surface can be also seen on geophysical data at great depths, well beyond the reach of boreholes. Our results show how advance analysis of seismic data together with regional geological information could be used to predict their key characteristics such as lithology, thickness and overall geometry that are necessary in order to understand Earth’s magmatic activity.