Analogue and numerical modelling are essential tools - and possibly the most successful tools - to study the evolution of long-term geological processes. Since the first publication of laboratory experiments by Sir James Hall (1815) to model folds observed in geological strata two centuries ago, modelling has seen major advances and breakthroughs. The emergence of new techniques in the laboratory, the advent of the scaling theory (Hubbert, 1937), and the development of numerical algorithms, codes and fast computers have all contributed to create the discipline of geological modelling as we know it today.

Resulting studies have focused on a large range of geological processes such as mantle convection, subduction, mountain building, rifting, accretionary wedge processes, crustal deformation, interaction between tectonics and surface processes, and volcanic processes. This session aims to present recent studies and breakthroughs on modelling of geological processes within the framework of the state of the art of geo-modelling.

In the past 50 years, all of geology has been transformed by the theory of plate tectonics which allows the systematisation of observations within the context of the continually evolving lithosphere. A dynamic understanding of plate tectonics requires integration of fluid-dynamics, solid mechanics, materials science into traditional geology. This is one of the most important frontiers in geological modelling going forward and our session integrates many contributions that try to outline a truly predictive dynamic model of global tectonics.

Note that a companion session US2 entitled "celebrating 200 years of modelling of geological processes" will highlight retrospectively some of the major advances in geo-modelling, providing a unique opportunity to celebrate the 200th anniversary of modelling of geological processes.

This session includes the Stephan Mueller Medal lecture by Evgene Burov (University of Paris 6)

Invited speakers:
Margarete Jadamec (University of Houston)
Nicolas Coltice (University of Lyon)