Combining Laboratory Measurements with Observational Constraints to Understand Tectonic Processes

Just over 40 years ago small-scale laboratory experiments were uniquely used to constrain the strength of the lithosphere. These models consisted of a simple view of brittle upper crustal deformation and viscous deformation dominating at greater depth. Experimental innovation has provided ever increasing insight into fundamental deformation processes and there are now unprecedented opportunities to link small-scale experimentation to large scale tectonics thanks to new observational constraints from seismology, field investigations, geodesy, microstructural studies, drilling, and modeling.

The meeting in 2022 is aimed at embracing the enormous scope for interaction between those working in the laboratory and other fields under the theme "The Lab to the Lithosphere" that will facilitate a fundamental understanding of tectonic processes at all scales.