Toward a Modeling Collaboratory for Subduction Zone Science

In 2018, NSF funded the Planning for a Modeling Collaboratory for Subduction Zone Science (MCS) RCN, which aims to enable collaborations in subduction zone science. The MCS is to support global subduction zone observatories and the overall SZ4D mission by: 1) helping to identify knowledge gaps in subduction zone science; 2) developing multiscale, multiphysics modeling frameworks; 3) providing a pathway for integrative model development and validation; and, 4) providing tools for transforming geological, rock mechanics, geophysical and geodetic data into formats that can be effectively assimilated into models and used for model validation.

In particular, the MCS seeks to develop the physical models that can be used for time-dependent hazard assessment in data-rich, real time monitoring networks, and for fundamental subduction zone dynamics modeling testing. The RCN is tasked with planning the specifics of the MCS by building an interdisciplinary and inclusive community of modelers and observationalists, and organizing a series of in-person workshops and a webinar series. Here, we present the results of our first two workshops, which focused on Fluid and Magma Transport Modeling (May 2019 - University of Minnesota) and Megathrust Modeling (October 2019 - University of Oregon). We also look ahead to our Volcano Modeling Workshop (spring/summer 2020) and our 2019-2020 webinar season, featuring modeler-observationalist pairs who have successfully collaborated on projects of interest to the SZ4D community.