The Journal of Geodynamics, published by Elsevier, is a well-established international and interdisciplinary forum dedicated to advancing the understanding of Solid Earth processes through high-quality research. Launched in 1984 with founding editor A.L. Hales, the journal has grown into a key platform for scientists studying the dynamic processes shaping the Earth’s crust, mantle, and lithosphere across various time and length scales. It is currently led by Editor-in-Chief Irina M. Artemieva (2016–2025) and maintains a CiteScore of 4.0, reflecting its academic impact.
The journal invites original research papers, including concise "letters," as well as topical reviews that explore a wide range of geodynamic topics. These include plate tectonic processes (e.g., driving mechanisms, paleo-geodynamics, and numerical/analogue modeling in compressional and extensional settings), mantle geodynamics (e.g., convection, hot spots, plumes, and mantle transition zones), and geophysical geodynamics (e.g., crust-mantle and lithosphere-asthenosphere interactions based on seismic, gravity, magnetic, and thermal observations). It also covers stress field and deformation studies using geodetic observations, seismicity, and anisotropy, as well as crustal and mantle rheology through laboratory experiments and numerical simulations. Additional focus areas include magma transport, volcanic eruptions, topographic change (e.g., dynamic topography and sea level variation), the geodynamics of large ice sheets (e.g., glacial isostasy and ice-seismicity), and the geodynamic controls on ore and hydrocarbon deposits.
Published bimonthly, the Journal of Geodynamics emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating geophysics, geodesy, geochemistry, and geology, with results derived from field observations, laboratory experiments, and numerical simulations. It welcomes contributions that advance predictive understanding of geodynamic processes in diverse tectonic settings, such as continental and oceanic environments through all stages of the Wilson cycle. The journal’s scope ensures that published works are not only novel but also relevant to addressing pressing issues like natural hazards and resource development.
Manuscripts are submitted through Elsevier’s online system, requiring editable files (e.g., Word or LaTeX) and adherence to strict formatting guidelines, such as double-spaced text, numbered lines, and structured sections (e.g., Abstract, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Conclusions). Authors must provide clear maps delineating study areas, avoiding unverified national boundaries, and ensure proper institutional affiliations for research integrity. The journal supports open access options, including gold open access, where articles are immediately and permanently free to read, copy, and distribute under specific user licenses. Pre-proof articles are published online with a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) for immediate citability, ensuring rapid dissemination of research.
With an impact factor of 2.1, the Journal of Geodynamics is a vital resource for researchers, geoscientists, and academics seeking to explore and contribute to the evolving field of Earth dynamics. Its commitment to rigorous peer review, interdisciplinary integration, and accessibility makes it a respected venue for high-impact geoscience research
