Convened by:
Michael Underwood (University of Missouri-Columbia) – Co-Chair
Clifford Thurber (University of Wisconsin-Madison) - Co-Chair
Harm van Avendonk (University of Texas, Austin)
Susan Bilek (New Mexico Tech)
Michael Gurnis (CalTech)
Katherine Kelley (University of Rhode Island)
Demian Saffer (Penn State University)
A MARGINS/GeoPRISMS-sponsored workshop on the new GeoPRISMS Subduction Cycles and Deformation (SCD) Initiative will be held January 5-7, 2011 in Austin, Texas. This workshop will produce the implementation plan for the SCD component of the GeoPRISMS Science Plan. Participants will further refine the themes and the unanswered questions proposed for the SCD Initiative in the Draft Science Plan (www.nsf-margins.org/Planning_and_review/DSP_final.html). The SCD Initiative addresses these key topics:
- Controls on the size, frequency and slip behavior of subduction plate boundaries
- Spatial and temporal patterns of deformation through the seismic cycle
- Linkages between volatile release and the rheology of the plate boundary interface
- Storage, transfer, and release of volatiles through subduction systems
- Geochemical products of subduction and creation of continental crust
- Subduction zone initiation and arc system formation
- Feedbacks between surface processes and subduction zone dynamics
The workshop will narrow the focus of these seven themes, prioritize scientific objectives, and develop a 10-year implementation plan, including identification of potential collaborations with national and international research partners. An additional goal of this workshop is the selection of one or two "Primary Sites" for focused investigations and to define the desired balance between "Primary Sites" research versus other efforts.
Interested researchers should submit an application online by October 8, 2010. The application should include a brief statement of how the applicant expects to contribute to the workshop’s goals and a short C.V. All scientists interested in subduction-related studies are encouraged to apply, independent of past involvement in MARGINS or GeoPRISMS. Post-docs, senior graduate students, and members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to participate. Selected participants will be notified by November 12, 2010. Funding from NSF is expected to cover a significant fraction of travel and accommodation costs for U.S. participants. Questions or comments may be directed to the GeoPRISMS/MARGINS Office info@geoprisms.org .
