Prachi Kar

PhD Candidate, Geological Sciences — Arizona State University

Prachi Kar
About me

I am a Geodynamicist interested in the evolution of Earth and planetary interiors. My research uses numerical modeling to investigate the dynamic processes that shape the interiors of Earth and other rocky planets over geologic time. I study the structure, dynamics, and long-term evolution of Earth's deep mantle, with a particular focus on Large Low-Velocity Provinces (LLVPs). I also explore the Moon's interior to understand its thermal and compositional evolution and how these processes have influenced the differences we observe on its surface today.

What I'm currently working on

01

Long-term survival of large low-velocity provinces

Investigating how the presence of a thin, dense layer at the base of the LLVPs helps them to persist in the lowermost mantle of Earth over geologic time.

02

Role of core-derived lighter oxides in mantle dynamics

Examining the role of lighter oxides released from the Earth's core in shaping the dynamics of mantle convection.

03

Hemispheric thermal dichotomy in the lunar mantle

Modeling the thermal asymmetry between the Moon's near and far side to better understand the evolutionary path of its interior.

See my research →

Curriculum Vitae

A few highlights below — the full document has everything.

Download full CV (PDF)

Education

PhD, Geological Sciences, Arizona State University
MSc, Applied Geology, Jadavpur University, India
BSc, Geological Sciences, Jadavpur University, India

Positions held

Graduate Teaching Associate
Graduate Research Associate

Awards and grants

Travel support, Interior of the Earth: Gordon Research Conference (GRC)
ASU Graduate Student Government (GSG) Travel Grant
SESE Exploration Graduate (SEG) Award
Travel support by Computational Infrastructure for Geodynamics (CIG), 2024 Ada Lovelace Workshop
Travel Scholarship, 2023 GAGE/SAGE Community Science Workshop
DST INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education, Govt. of India
“I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.”
— Isaac Newton