Saskia Goes

I study the geodynamics of the Earth''s lithosphere and mantle by using a combination of numerical dynamic modeling, conversion of thermo-chemical structure into geophysical parameters such as seismic velocity and density, and mapping of surface strain rates. In our recent work we have tested various basic dynamic hypotheses (an average isochemical, fully convecting mantle, thermal whole-mantle plumes and slab-buoyancy driven subduction) against a range of observations. This allows us to quantify to which extent these commonly assumed "null-hypotheses" for the main features of the mantle actually satisfy the data. A description of the current projects my group is working on is given below.

• Subduction dynamics and their kinematic expression 
• Physical meaning of spherical reference models 
• Physical structure of continental lithosphere 
• Stress, deformation and seismicity 
• Dynamics and seismic signature of plumes
• ThermoDynaMix workshops and follow-up

Selected recent publications

• Styles, E., S. Goes, P.E. van Keken, J. Ritsema, H. Smith, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 311, 351-363 (2011), Synthetic images of dynamically predicted plumes and comparison with a global tomographic model.
• Goes S, F.A. Capitanio, G. Morra G, Phys. Earth Planet. Int., 184, 1-13 (2011), Signatures of downgoing plate-buoyancy driven subduction in Cenozoic plate motions.
• Hieronymus CF, S. Goes S, Geophys. J. Int. 180, 999-1012, (2010) Complex cratonic seismic structure from thermal models of the lithosphere: effects of variations in deep radiogenic heating.
• Van Wijk J, van Hunen J, Goes S, Geology 36,575-578 (2009), Small-scale convection during continental rifting: Evidence from the Rio Grande rift.
• Goes, S., F.A. Capitanio, G. Morra, Nature 451, 981-984 (2008). Evidence of lower mantle slab penetration phases in plate motions
• F.A. Capitanio, G. Morra, S. Goes, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 262, 284-297 (2007). Dynamic models of downgoing plate buoyancy driven subduction: subduction motions and energy dissipation
• S. Jenny, S. Goes, D. Giardini, H-G. Kahle, Tectonophysics 415, 81-101 (2006). Seismic potential of Southern Italy
• F. Cammarano, S. Goes, A. Deuss and D. Giardini, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 232, 227-243 (2005) Is a pyrolitic adiabatic mantle compatible with seismic data?
• S. Goes, F.J. Simons, K. Yoshizawa, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 236, 227-237 (2005). Seismic constraints on temperature of the Australian uppermost mantle

- NERC 2009-2012 "Does downgoing plate density govern the variability in subduction behaviour around the Pacific? A 3-D dynamic modelling study"
- Swiss National Fund - 4-year Assistant Professor Fellowship 2003-2007
- Royal Society Conference grants
- ETH Zurich 2000-2004
- Munich Re 1999-2003