In spite of their massive effects, these phenomena originate at the atomic level. Therefore, the understanding of multi-scale geological processes that occur in the deep planetary bodies, as well as their effects on the dynamics of the shallow domain, can only be accomplished by merging direct investigations at variable spatial resolutions (from the lattice-grain scale, 10^-9 -10^-3 m) to the mountain belt (10^3 -10^6 m) and, eventually, by comparing terrestrial phenomena with those observable on other planetary bodies. 

Such an integrated approach is based on the analyses of geologic material brought to the Earth’s surface by exhumation processes or recovered by means of drilling projects, or from satellite and other geophysical data. Hence, a wide range of disciplines are involved, namely Mineralogy, Petrology, Geochemistry, Structural Geology, Geophysics, Geodynamics, and Satellite Remote Sensing.

Within the Program "Deep Earth and Planets ", the following research lines can be listed: