18 Feb 2021
18 Feb 2021
101 Geodynamic modelling: How to design, carry out, and interpret numerical studies
- 1School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- 2Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED), University of Oslo, Postbox 1028 Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway
- 3Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- 4Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany
- 5Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, USA
- 6Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- These authors contributed equally to this work.
- 1School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
- 2Centre for Earth Evolution and Dynamics (CEED), University of Oslo, Postbox 1028 Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway
- 3Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- 4Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Potsdam, Germany
- 5Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, USA
- 6Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- These authors contributed equally to this work.
Abstract. Geodynamic modelling provides a powerful tool to investigate processes in the Earth's crust, mantle, and core that are not directly observable. However, numerical models are inherently subject to the assumptions and simplifications on which they are based. In order to use and review numerical modelling studies appropriately, one needs to be aware of the limitations of geodynamic modelling as well as its advantages. Here, we present a comprehensive, yet concise overview of the geodynamic modelling process applied to the solid Earth, from the choice of governing equations to numerical methods, model setup, model interpretation, and the eventual communication of the model results. We highlight best practices and discuss their implementations including code verification, model validation, internal consistency checks, and software and data management. Thus, with this perspective, we encourage high-quality modelling studies, fair external interpretation, and sensible use of published work. We provide ample examples from lithosphere and mantle dynamics and point out synergies with related fields such as seismology, tectonophysics, geology, mineral physics, and geodesy. We clarify and consolidate terminology across geodynamics and numerical modelling to set a standard for clear communication of modelling studies. All in all, this paper presents the basics of geodynamic modelling for first-time and experienced modellers, collaborators, and reviewers from diverse backgrounds to (re)gain a solid understanding of geodynamic modelling as a whole.
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Iris van Zelst et al.
Status: open (until 01 Apr 2021)
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CC1: 'Comment on se-2021-14', Paul PUKITE, 20 Feb 2021
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Just a comment that will help distinguish this document from what would be generic information that could be applied to any scientific discipline. What geophysics, astrophysics and similar disciplines have in common is the inability to set up a controlled experiment in the lab, which is an important factor in many other disciplines. Nowhere in the document is the lack of experimental control mentioned, which has an impact on how model validation is done. So can't test out a model hypothesis by setting up an experiment in the lab (e.g. no scaling of gravity possible, therefore any tidal forcing models are impossible to do in a lab). What this means is that the concept of cross-validation becomes much more important, in contrast to the typical hypothesis testing and prediction that are the usual yardsticks for evaluating the utility of a model. In addition, can't wait for predictions on geological time-scales that will unfold over the course of years to millenia, but do have historical data that is amenable to cross-validation analysis.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-validation_(statistics)
BTW, I come from a solid-state physics background where controlled experiments rule over everything else, and so this gaping hole in the discipline related to geophysics is glaringly obvious. This should be taken as advice from the trenches, no more than that.
Iris van Zelst et al.
Iris van Zelst et al.
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