Laboratory modelling of geological processes is a branch of the Earth Sciences that has seen recent breakthroughs in the development of new imaging and analytical techniques. Creating images of experiments in the laboratory is crucial for qualitative and quantitative model analysis and subsequent interpretation, leading to a better understanding of the geological processes under investigation. Nowadays, a wide range of Earth Science disciplines have developed state-of-the-art imaging techniques in laboratory experiments to investigate processes related to geodynamics, geomorphology, natural hazards, sedimentology, tectonics and structural geology, and volcanology. During the last three decades, quantification in laboratory modelling was indeed revolutionised with the progressive appearance of new imaging technologies, which have allowed to study the interior of opaque structures and compute displacement, velocity, stress and strain field maps, as well as topography.

This session invites presentations on advancements in imaging and analytical techniques used in any type of laboratory models of geological processes. Suggested techniques of interest include (but are not limited to) particle image velocimetry, particle tracking, structure-from-motion, digital image correlation, photoelasticity, X-ray CT scanning, seismic reflection, digitisation of model sections, laser scanning, fringe projection and stereo photogrammetry.

This cross-disciplinary session aims to showcase the range of techniques that are being utilised in laboratory modelling, discuss the improvements and limitations of these techniques, share good practice, assess their value to provide better quantification and understanding and explore the future of imaging and analysis in laboratory modelling of geological processes.

Solicited presentation by Katherine Dobson (Durham University).