Over the past decades, Geoscientists made significant use of numerical models to simulate the physics of tectonic and deep-Earth processes. These important efforts allowed learning a great deal about the ways in which these processes operate. At the same time, there have been important technical advances in the ability to measure the kinematics of Earth’s surface at various temporal and spatial scales. Progresses in reconstructing the record of (i) dynamic topography, (ii) past plate motions, as well as in the ability to (iii) measure the present-day motions and deformation of the lithosphere through space geodesy are contributing tremendously to our knowledge of how deep-seated geological processes manifested themselves at the surface throughout the geologically-recent history of Earth. Today, advancing our understanding of these important links must rely heavily on making quantitative inferences through the marriage between sophisticated numerical models and the ever-growing body of geophysical observations; rather than on using, and some times abusing, models or data sets separately. This session focuses on recent advances in understanding and quantifying geodynamic processes within the plates/mantle coupled system. We welcome contributions that link observations and geophysical interpretations of tectonic and deep-Earth processes.

Confirmed invited speakers:
Lorenzo Colli (LMU Munich)
Rob Govers (Utrecht University)
Corné Kreemer (University of Nevada)
Robert Moucha (Syracuse University)