2008 Workshop on Numerical Modeling of Crustal Deformation and Earthquake Faulting

The focus of this gathering was on computational models addressing the seismic cycle across single and multiple events. The workshop blended science talks on case studies from particular faulting environments and on key rheological behavior with discussions of current obstacles to crustal deformation modeling.

As in previous years, topics spanned a variety of computational issues including how to go from a geologic structural model to a finite-element model, various numerical issues such as choosing discretization schemes and meshing strategies, and consideration of different bulk and fault zone rheologies. Another explicit goal of this workshop was to provide basic training in the installation, use, and customization of existing, freely available modeling software for crustal deformation. There was dedicated time throughout the workshop for hands-on interaction with other users and developers of the primary existing tools.

This workshop was held from June 23-27, 2008, in Golden, Colorado on the campus of the Colorado School of Mines. The first four days (Monday-Thursday) were a mixture of science talks, discussion, and hands-on tutorials. The fifth day (Friday) was dedicated to informal tutorials and collaboration. We are able to provide reimbursement for a portion of the costs incurred for registered attendees with official appointments at U.S. institutions. There were no registration fees.

Final Report [pdf]

Organizing Committee

List of members of the 2008 organizing committee

• Brad Aagaard, United States Geological Survey (Chair)
• Oliver Boyd, United States Geological Survey
• Andrew Freed, Purdue University
• Carl Gable, Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Brad Hager, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Elizabeth Hearn, University of British Columbia
• Rowena Lohman, Cornell University
• Greg Lyzenga, Harvey Mudd College
• Tom Parsons, United States Geological Survey
• Mark Simons, California Institute of Technology
• Charles Williams, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Workshop Sponsors

Computational Infrastructure for Geodynamics (CIG)		Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC)
National Science Foundation (NSF)		National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)