Geodynamic processes are generally too slow, too rare or too deep to be observed in situ. Understandably, conceptional simulation has become an integral part of the Earth explorer's toolbox to select, formulate and test hypotheses on the origin and evolution of geodynamic processes. However, experimental and computer simulations using analogue and numerical models, respectively, have evolved rather separately and independently, often without much interaction of the respective communities. Only in recent years, efforts have been made to combine the two simulation techniques and to investigate in more detail approach-inherent advantages and disadvantages.

Numerical models (e.g., finite element, discrete element, finite differences) are inherently deterministic, precisely controllable and allow for a wide parameter space to be mapped, but suffer from space-time discretization limited by computer power or code-controlled artifacts. In contrast, analogue models are real physical objects subjected to the same laws (and flaws) of nature as the Earth, including the time-space continuum and randomness, but they are limited in parameter space, less controllable and similarly dependent on experimentalist performance and laboratory boundary conditions. Both numerical and analogue simulations yield results that compare favorably with geological structures in nature. However, it is often uncertain and in many cases a question of faith rather than a well-reflected position, whether necessary model simplifications are appropriate, mathematical descriptions accurate or upscaling of laboratory observations meaningful.

In order to foster communication and interaction between the experimental and computer simulation communities, we invite contributions demonstrating the state-of-the-art in analogue and numerical tectonic modeling on a variety of spatial and temporal scales, from earthquake nucleation to plate tectonics. We welcome especially those papers that try to highlight strengths, challenge the limits or compare/combine the different approaches in order to realistically simulate and better understand the Earth's deformational behavior.

Invited Speaker:
Claudio Faccenna (Univ. Roma Tre) "Subduction dynamics - an interdisciplinary approach"


Note: This session has been merged with former Session TS9.3/GD8.8 "Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations in geoscience - Methods and Applications"

Recent advances in method development and available computing power have made the Discrete Element Method (DEM) an increasingly valuable tool for the simulation of brittle phenomena in a geological context. The method has been successfully applied in areas ranging from tectonics and structural geology to the mechanics of earthquakes, landslides and rockfalls. This session is intended to bring together researchers working on the further development of the Discrete Element Method itself and those who apply the DEM in a geological, geophysical or geotechnical context. We therefore encourage submissions relating to improvements and extensions of the Discrete Element Method, in particular as they apply to the earth sciences. We invite submissions relating to the application of DEM simulations in geology, geophysics and
geotechnics and the validation of DEM models against field observations or laboratory experiments.


Invited Speakers:
M.P.J. Schöpfer "Applications of the Distinct Element Method in Structural Geology: A critical review of common practices in model presentation and suggestions for a more quantitative approach."

L. Goren "Shearing fluid-filled granular media: A coupled discrete element - continuous approach."