Underworld
a long term geodynamics simulation platform
Underworld modelling capabilities
The following is the list of main model initiatives actively championed and supported by the Underworld user community. There are other models, some of which are also provided in the Underworld code base, and some of which will be publically released in the future.
Lithosphere Instabilities
A toolkit for studying the geodynamics of a viscoelastic-plastic lithosphere in 3D. The box can be extended or compressed in each horizontal direction or it can be extended or compressed and sheared. The upper surface can be flat or free and the base will either move vertically to conserve volume or an inflow boundary condition can be applied.
| Research Leader: | Louis Moresi |
| Technical Leader: | Luke Hodkinson |
| Demo input file: | ExtensionFMM3D.xml |
Subduction
Modeling the dynamics of the subducting lithosphere for free slabs and multi-plate systems. The mantle flow can be measured and mantle domains can be traced through time.
| Research Leader: | Margarete Jadamec |
| Technical Leader: | Margarete Jadamec |
| Demo input file: | SlabSubduction.xml |
Mantle Convection
A toolkit for studying the geodynamics of idealized mantle convection in 2D / 3D Cartesian layers with viscoelastic / plastic rheology and distinct material domains.
| Research Leader: | Louis Moresi |
| Technical Leader: | John Mansour |
| Demo input file: | Arrhenius.xml |
Numerical Capabilities
Advanced numerical tools for the Particle-in-cell finite element method including gradient recovery methods, specialized preconditioners and multigrid solvers, stabilized elements, frictional boundary conditions, level set implementations etc.
| Research Leader: | Louis Moresi |
