David Bercovici

Developed the first self-consistent theory for how deformation in Earth's crust and mantle generates plate tectonic boundaries. By combining the micro-scale processes of grain damage, grain growth, and grain healing with the global-scale physics of solid-state creep in mantle and crustal rocks, he succeeded in demonstrating how Earth's divergent, convergent, and transform plate boundaries are initiated and maintained. He also originated the water-filter theory for mantle flow, whereby water and other volatiles circulate independently of the major solid phases in Earth's interior, and become concentrated in the transition zone of the mantle.~