Modeling Earth Dynamics: Complexity, Uncertainty, and Validation

Abstract

28th IUGG Conference on Mathematical Geophysics; Pisa, Italy, 7–11 June 2010; The capabilities and limits of mathematical models applied to a variety of geophysical processes were discussed during the 28th international Conference on Mathematical Geophysics, held in Italy (see the conference Web site (http://cmg2010.pi.ingv.it), which includes abstracts). The conference was organized by the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) Commission on Mathematical Geophysics (CMG) and the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia and was cosponsored by the U.S. National Science Foundation. The meeting was attended by more than 160 researchers from 26 countries and was dedicated to the theme “Modelling Earth Dynamics: Complexity, Uncertainty, and Validation.” Many talks were dedicated to illustration of the complexities affecting geophysical processes. Novel applications of geophysical fluid dynamics were presented, with specific reference to volcanological and ­subsurface/surface flow processes. In most cases, investigations highlighted the need for multidimensional and multiphase flow models able to describe the nonlinear effects associated with the nonhomogeneous nature of the matter. Fluid dynamic models of atmospheric, oceanic, and environmental systems also illustrated the fundamental role of nonlinear couplings between the different subsystems. Similarly, solid Earth models have made it possible to obtain the first tomographies of the planet; to formulate nonlocal and dynamic damage models of rocks; to investigate statistically the triggering, clustering, and synchronization of faults; and to develop realistic simulators of the planetary dynamo, plate tectonics, and gravity and magnetic fields.