Modeling of coupled continental tectonics, mantle dynamics, and surface processes will be undertaken to explore surface deformation and deeper mantle flow during continental collision. Surface erosion will be incorporated into the models to explore the interaction between tectonics and atmospheric processes. Model predictions will be compared to data from collisional settings to provide a better understanding of continental collision. The links between continental growth and the Earth's thermal evolution will also be explored. A combination of theory, numerical simulations, and lab experiments will be used to provide insight into coupled planetary cooling and continental growth. Geochemical data will provide constraints on continental growth. The methodologies developed to model the interaction between conducting continents and the convecting mantle will also be used to address hydrothermal convection below insulating cap rock and the cooling history of magma chambers within host rock. The PI's modeling across earth science sub-fields will provide unity between his teaching and research. Lecture demonstrations, i.e., models designed for education, can convey general foundational ideas that students then link to approach a range of earth science problems. This will allow students in introductory classes to see that scientific ideas are not isolated bits of information. The broader impact is that a portion of the student population that will not go into science will have a clearer view of what science is. Demonstrations will also be used in a reverse mode. A workshop will be developed where advanced students will build demonstrations and simple experiments of their own design to convey key ideas from their primary earth science field. In presenting their work to each other they will see how many key concepts do not care about artificial sub-field boundaries. They will see connections and be better prepared to make new ones. The space will also house a scientific visualization studio where students will work on effective visual communication of scientific ideas. The workspace/studio will be available to K-12 educator colleagues in the Houston area.
