9629072 Richards The PIs propose to hold an interdisciplinary Chapman conference that brings together 80-100 scientists and students focused on identifying and solving fundamental problems of plate tectonics and mantle dynamics. Recent advances in geodynamic modeling and seismic imaging of the earth's interior offer new possibilities for integrating knowledge of the history of plate motions with these new results. The main purpose of the conference is to bring together the plate reconstruction and mantle dynamics communities, which have until now worked in isolation. Conference goals include: 1) fostering innovative cross-disciplinary scientific interchange toward better integrating the geological record of plate motions into geodynamic models, 2) improving geodynamic models by integrating a more mature knowledge of the forces acting on plates, 3) improving our understanding of the nature of plate boundaries, and 4) developing a better understanding of the relationship between deep mantle processes and global plate motions. ***
