This grant provides support towards the acquisition of a 160 CPU PC cluster to facilitate seismological and geodynamical research conducted within the groups of Jeroen Ritsema and Peter van Keken at the University of Michigan. The new facility will be used to (1) synthesize 3D seismic wave propagation for use in the analysis of global seismic structure; (ii) develop 3D models of the dynamics and thermal structure of subduction zones; (iii) study 3D models of plume formation; (iv) provide high resolution dynamical models of the geochemical evolution of the Earth's mantle; (v) use geodynamical predictive models in seismological inversions. This cluster will be instrumental in the PhD work of at least 5 graduate students and will lead to the development and improvement of parallel software.
