Forward modelling of the geodynamic consequences of tectonic reconstruction
High Performance Computing using the Hercules program
This rendition the Hercules deathstar was prepared by Kevin Pulo, with input
provided
by Marie-Aude Bonnardot, reconstructing the Miocene Earth. It is a
first attempt at
planet-scale forward modelling of the geodynamic consequences
of a particular
global tectonic reconstruction. The image reflects
3D
numerical
artefacts, and is provided only to allow insight into the overview of project aims.
To download a 25Mb 3D PDF click on the text above. Doubrle-click on the
downloaded PDF (it takes 2-3 minutes to load). You need Acrobat 8 or higher.
The Play button will run the animation, which will loop until
the Play
(Pause)
button is pressed again. Make sure that "Solid Wireframe" mode is enabled.
To provide an example as to how to utilize the AuScope software machine, the modelling and simulation community intends to illustrate a 4D geodynamics workflow, focused on the evolution of the Sunda-Java subduction zone. If you are interested in becoming a user of the NCRIS AuScope software machine, make direct contact with the scientists building the individual components.
The Pplates reconstruction software utilizes deformable meshes to allow description of the planetary lithosphere, with each 2D mesh moving in 3D space. These data are compiled for a "virtual world" defined for a particular instant in time (here for the Miocene-Pliocene boundary, five million years in the past). The data from Pplates are available in "virtual world" format, to allow interoperability, and so the data can be loaded and utilized by various HPC (high-performance computing) algorithms (e.g. Hercules). Here the velocities of individual meshes are viscously coupled to the Hercules "deathstar" , allowing a computation of deviatoric stress in the Miocene planetary lithosphere.
To access and utilize Pplates, go to the software repository. If you want us to give you a hand, develop the specifications for a use case, and let us know.
The Hercules HPC code has been designed and written by Dr Kevin Pulo <kevin.pulo@anu.edu.au> at the ANU Supercomputer Facility.
We chose the name to reflect the labours of the mythical hero, Heracles, which were many, and often unreasonably difficult.
<http://www.mythweb.com/hercules/herc09.html>.