Most geological processes are too slow to observe and measure directly and/or operate at depths which are not accessible to direct sampling. These limitations can in part be compensated by the application of modelling tools which allow to explore the dynamics of both structural and tectonic processes. The role of modelling of geodynamic processes is rapidly growing in geosciences and promises huge potential. However, numerical and analogue experiments face several challenges: State-of-the-art geodynamic models often have a large number of adjustable parameters, which allow fitting of geological, geophysical and geochemical constraints, but do not necessarily prove their validity and uniqueness. A better understanding of the underlying physics is required to build more realistic and predictive models. At the same time, advances are required in making model results more useable for other areas of geosciences.

This session aims to discuss recent advances in modelling of tectonic processes. The emphasis lies on strengthening the link between modelling and observations for various geodynamic settings including continental break-up and ocean rifting; transform faulting; subduction and the opening of back-arc basins; the closure of oceans and continental collision, lithosphere deformation in response to decoupling zones, mantle convection, and plume dynamics, at all scales. We specifically aim to (a) Compare results of numerical and analogue models with observations from lithospheric-scale to whole-mantle scale. (b) Enhance our understanding of the physics of long-term geological and geodynamic processes. (c) Address fundamental aspects of lithosphere deformation in response to the presence of decoupling zones. (d) Discuss the more technical aspects of modelling of geodynamic processes. (e) Discuss ways to make model results more easily accessible to other disciplines.

Our invited presenters are:

Jean-Pierre Brun (University of Rennes, France)
Taras Gerya (ETH Zurich, Switzerland)
Greg Houseman (University of Leeds, UK)
Regis Mourgues (Universite du Maine, France)

We are very pleased to host the Arne Richter Award for Outstanding Young Scientists Lecture by Boris Kaus!