Victorian Partnership for Advanced Computing

Underworld allows for development of model to accurately predict subduction zone shapes around the globe.

A recent study by researchers at The Australian National University (ANU) and Monash University used both computational and laboratory models to simulate the detailed dynamics of subduction zones deep within the Earth’s crust. The new computational model, developed by the researchers using the Underworld framework, provides a more sophisticated view of subduction involving time/space evolution of subduction zones.

Subduction is the process where denser and older oceanic crust is recycled back into the Earth’s mantle. As the crust is recycled, it also pulls the accompanying plate and provides part of the driving force for plate tectonics.

Download Full PDF (169KB).