Tectonophysics Journal Introduction
Name
Tectonophysics
Link
www.sciencedirect.com/journal/tectonophysics
Description
Tectonophysics is a peer-reviewed journal publishing high-impact research and reviews on the kinematics, structure, composition, and dynamics of the Earth's lithosphere and deeper interior, integrating geophysical, geological, and geochemical methods.
Key Words
tectonophysics, geodynamics, lithosphere, kinematics, structural geology, seismology, rheology, geophysical methods, geochemical studies, geological hazards
Introduction
Tectonophysics, officially titled Tectonophysics: The International Journal of Geotectonics and the Geology and Physics of the Interior of the Earth, is a premier weekly peer-reviewed scientific journal established in 1964 and published by Elsevier. It is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the Earth's solid interior, focusing on the kinematics, structure, composition, and dynamics of the lithosphere and deeper Earth at all scales. The journal is a vital platform for researchers in geosciences, particularly those studying tectonics, geophysics, and geodynamics, and is abstracted and indexed in over fifty databases, including Current Contents, GeoRef, Inspec, Scopus, and Web of Science. According to the 2011 Journal Citation Reports, Tectonophysics had an impact factor of 2.433, reflecting its influence in the field.
The journal encourages submissions that integrate multiple geophysical, geological, geochemical, geodynamic, and geotectonic methods. Its scope includes a wide range of topics, such as kinematics and deformation of the lithosphere using techniques like GPS, InSAR, neotectonic studies, and geochronology; the structure, composition, and thermal state of the crust and mantle; structural geology, including folding, faulting, and rock mechanics; orogenesis, thermochronology, and lithospheric-asthenospheric interactions; active tectonics, seismology, and mechanisms of earthquakes and volcanism; rheology and numerical modeling of geodynamic processes; laboratory measurements of physical and chemical parameters of crustal and mantle rocks; and innovative developments in geophysical and geodynamic methods. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that Tectonophysics remains at the forefront of research on Earth’s dynamic processes.
Tectonophysics publishes three main types of contributions: regular research articles, fast-track papers, and comprehensive invited review articles. Fast-track papers are short, innovative communications (limited to 3,000 words and six small figures) designed for rapid publication, typically completing review within three weeks. Review articles provide in-depth overviews of significant subjects, while regular articles cover original research. The journal also emphasizes special issues, guest-edited by leading researchers, which focus on specific topics and undergo the same rigorous peer-review process as regular submissions. The review process is single-anonymized, with editors assessing submissions for suitability before sending them to at least one independent reviewer. Special issues are a hallmark of the journal, offering cohesive collections of papers that add significant value to the field.
The journal is led by a distinguished editorial team, including editors-in-chief such as Samuel Angiboust (ENS de Lyon), Jean-Philippe Avouac (California Institute of Technology), Ramon Carbonell (Spanish National Research Council), Rob Govers (Utrecht University), Zheng Xiang Li (Curtin University), and Kelin Wang (Geological Survey of Canada). Submissions are handled through Elsevier’s online portal (https://www.editorialmanager.com/tecto), requiring a cover letter, a manuscript file (preferably .doc or .docx, not LaTeX), separate image files (.tiff or .jpg), and a complete PDF version of the manuscript. Authors must suggest three to five potential reviewers and adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the work is original and not under consideration elsewhere.
Tectonophysics supports open access, with an Article Processing Charge (APC) of USD 3,190 (excluding taxes) for open access publications, though no publication fee is charged for subscription-based articles. The journal aligns with Elsevier’s open access policies, and some institutions may have agreements to cover APCs, such as Vanderbilt University’s agreement for hybrid journals. The journal’s commitment to high-impact research is evident in its most cited and downloaded articles, which cover topics like the Hellenic arc’s neotectonic evolution and global tectonics. By fostering interdisciplinary research and rapid dissemination of innovative findings, Tectonophysics continues to be a cornerstone for understanding the Earth’s complex geological and geophysical processes.
