Observations derived from physical and chemical properties of rocks exposed at the Earth's surface, combined with detailed images of the present day compositional structures are essential for understanding the dynamical and chemical evolution of the Earth, but they do not provide sufficient information to fully constrain its spatio-retro-temporal evolution. This can only be achieved by combining data-driven branches of Earth science with forward models, which describe the evolution of mantle convection and tectonic processes.

In computational geodynamics we exploit continuum based forward models that are steered through a careful prescription of constitutive relationships, boundary conditions and initial conditions - each of which is constrained by natural observations and laboratory experiments.

In the long tradition of this session, we bring together experts to highlight the state-of-the-art in computational geodynamics. This entails dissemination of advances in forward and adjoint methodologies suitable for long-term geological modelling– together with progress in understanding how mantle dynamics, at a range of length and time scales, are affected by material properties, and phase transitions including melting.
Consequently, we invite contributions from three broad themes.

(1) Technical advances associated with
- alternative spatial and/or temporal discretisations for existing forward models
- solver and preconditioner developments
- scalable HPC implementations of existing methodologies
- development of partial differential equations to describe geological processes
- code and methodology comparisons (“benchmarks”)
- open source implementations for the community

(2) Physics advances associated with
- adjoint based geodynamic modelling
- numerical model validation through comparison with natural observations
- insights obtained through analytic approaches
- scientific insights enabled by 4D geodynamic modelling

(3) Linking mineral physics and geodynamics
- melting processes in mantle plumes, D" and the asthenosphere
- role of phase transitions in subducting slabs, mantle plumes and Earth's transition zone
- role of partial melting in the origin of small-scale convection