Applications of high performance computing, grid and data technologies to computational geodynamics in Australia

This thesis demonstrates and examines computational geodynamics research workflows and outcomes, highlighting improved efficiency and collaboration through facilitation of and streamlined access to key resources. The influence of a buoyant oceanic plateau or mantle plume head interacting with a subduction zone was investigated by conducting three-dimensional numerical simulations at High Performance Computing (HPC) facilities. Model results reveal that these buoyant features can play a significant role in the geodynamics of a subduction zone. In the region of a strongly buoyant plateau or plume head, for a weak slab local trench advance results in an arcuate trench shape and a tear forms in the subducted portion of the slab. The slab tear provides a potential conduit for plume material to transfer to the overriding plate, and local trench advance associated with a large strongly buoyant plume head may contribute to orogenesis. Contributions made to the development of a customised grid compute job submission client template have reduced uptake barriers, enabled easier access to and increased awareness of the geodynamics software used. Participation in the development of software behind a national data sharing service used to share model data with collaborators is also identified as of benefit to the wider Australian geoscience research community.