Project Details
Projekt
MOSAIC - A modular, parallel, 3D seismo-thermo-mechanical approach to simulate the feedback between geodynamic and seismic processes
Subject Area
Geophysics
Term
since 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 560283387
The way in which geodynamic processes such as subduction or collision affect seismic hazard remains poorly understood because of the nonlinearities of the processes, and because of the large difference in timescales between them (from millions of years to seconds). This project focuses on developing a new 2D/3D parallel software framework using Julia to simulate geodynamic processes and seismic cycles in a self-consistent manner. By utilizing staggered finite difference discretization, adaptive time-stepping, and rate-and-state dependent friction laws, the software will model the interactions between long-term tectonic deformation, seismic cycles, and surface deformation. A key objective is to explore the two-way coupling between these processes, where seismic cycles may influence large-scale geodynamic behavior, as opposed to the more commonly used one-way coupling where seismic events are driven solely by tectonic stress. This will provide new insights into how fault systems evolve dynamically and interact with larger tectonic forces over time. We will benchmark the new code against established standards, test the importance of one-way versus two-way coupling approaches, and develop a workflow to go from geodynamic timescales to ground shaking caused by rupture on multi-fault system. By leveraging GPU-accelerated computing and efficient ODE solvers, the team aims to simulate seismic cycles over extended timescales, potentially reaching millions of years. Collaboration with other projects in the DEFORM SPP initiative will allow for the integration of this framework with regional geodynamic models, creating a powerful tool for studying seismic hazards and tectonic processes in complex geological environments.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
Subproject of
SPP 2497:
Plate Deformation and Geohazards: The Eastern Margin of the Adriatic Plate (DEFORM)
International Connection
Switzerland
Cooperation Partners
Dr. Albert de Montserrat; Dr. Ludovic Räss
