Support from this grant will contribute to the construction of a numerical facility for Geodynamical Modeling at the University of Maine to investigate mechanical and thermal problems arising in lithosphere and mantle deformation. Specifically, the PI's will examine the degree of coupling among atmospheric and tectonic processes through construction of three-dimensional models conditioned by observations from the active tectonic regions of eastern Tibet, New Zealand and southeast Alaska. In related research, the PI's are examining the necessary conditions for formation and exhumation of ultra-high pressure metamorphism terrains during plate convergence. The overriding objective of the numerical facility is to provide tools for application of continuum mechanics to geological processes for those with an intuitive feel for the earth, but not necessarily a strong grasp on continuum mechanics. The facility is designed to remove some of the difficulties encountered by earth scientists in solution of mechanical equations, thereby allowing concentration upon the causative processes and the relevant observations. An important component of research at the numerical facility will be in applying modern visualization techniques to numerical results to enhance communication among modelers and geologists, and to allow dissemination of results to a wider educational audience. ***
