Welcome to the Geodynamics Group at the University of Miami. We combine analytical approaches, large-scale numerical modeling, and geophysical observations to understand how plate and mantle dynamics govern Earth's interior structure and long-term evolution.

The group is based in the Department of Marine Geosciences at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science and is led by Prof. Adam F. Holt.

Research

Our research examines the mechanics and thermal evolution of subduction systems, and how these processes drive regional and global mantle flow. We develop analytical and computational models to investigate:

  1. Subduction zone mechanics and rheology. Mechanical coupling, strength variability, and deformation along subduction interfaces.
  2. Subduction zone thermal and metamorphic evolution. Temperature structure, phase transformations, and volatile exchange between Earth's surface and the mantle.
  3. Tectonic reorganization and plate-boundary interaction. The development and dynamics of complex plate-boundary configurations.
  4. Mantle circulation and subduction-driven flow. Large-scale mantle circulation and its coupling with subduction zones.

Current Teaching

  • Natural Disasters: Hollywood vs. Reality (GSC 107): Introductory course on geologic hazards and societal response, with emphasis on the physical processes underlying earthquakes, volcanism, and related Earth systems. Syllabus
  • Geodynamics (MGS 724): Graduate course on lithospheric deformation and mantle dynamics, integrating analytical theory and computational modeling. Topics include rheology, heat and mass transport, and mantle fluid dynamics. Lecture notes and exercises
  • Subduction Zone Geophysics (MGS 710): Literature-based graduate seminar on subduction zone processes, integrating geophysical observations with quantitative models. Topics include slab deformation, mantle flow, rheology, and surface-mantle coupling. Syllabus, Schedule

Team

Current:

Former:

  • Ryan StonerPostdoctoral researcher, now postdoctoral scholar at New Mexico Tech
  • Gabe EpsteinNSF Postdoctoral Fellow, now research associate at Northern Arizona University
  • Valeria TurinoPhD student, now postdoctoral scholar at Pennsylvania State University
  • Reid JansenBachelor's thesis student, now PhD student at the University of Southern California
  • Sam GoldbergNSF Postdoctoral Fellow, now University of Miami faculty (website)
  • Yidan WangNow in Guoqing Lin's seismology group (poster)
  • Jazmin GarzaBachelor's thesis student (poster)
  • Chantal NewalloBachelor's thesis student (poster)

Recent Papers

Updated February 2026.

  1. Neuharth, D., Behr, W. M., and Holt, A. F., 2025. The role of along-strike variations in interface rheology on subduction dynamics. Geophys. J. Int., 244, doi:10.1093/gji/ggaf515. (PDF)
  2. Stoner, R. K., Holt, A. F., Epstein, G. S., Guevara, V. E., and Condit, C. B., 2025. Emergent feedbacks between progressive serpentinization, interface weakening, and subduction rates. Geochem., Geophys., Geosys., 26, doi:10.1029/2025GC012488. (PDF)
  3. Gianni, G. M., Guo, Z., Holt, A. F., and Faccenna, C., 2025. Non-collisional orogeny in northeast Japan driven by nearby same-dip double subduction. Nature Geosc., doi:10.1038/s41561-025-01704-5. (PDF)
  4. Conrad, E. M., Faccenna, C., Holt, A. F., and Becker, T. W., 2024. Tectonic reorganization of the Caribbean plate system in the Paleogene. Geochem., Geophys., Geosys., doi:10.1029/2024GC011499. (PDF)
  5. Epstein, G. S., Condit, C. B., Stoner, R. K., Holt, A. F., and Guevara, V., 2024. Evolving subduction zone thermal structure drives extensive forearc mantle wedge hydration. AGU Advances, 5, doi:10.1029/2023AV001121. (PDF)
  6. Goldberg, S. L., and Holt, A. F., 2024. Complexity of subduction zone flow from multiscale global convection models. Geochem., Geophys., Geosys., 25, doi:10.1029/2023GC011134. (PDF)

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