Future directions in subduction modeling

During the last four decades, subduction remained one of the most challenging and captivating geodynamic processes investigated with numerical techniques. While significant progress has been made toward deciphering the diverse array of subduction zone observations within the context of modeled physical processes, numerous questions remain regarding multiple aspects of subduction zone dynamics. A review of recent numerical studies highlights a number of open topics that subduction modeling can provide significant insight into in the future: 1. Resolving the controversy of subduction initiation. 2. Constraining robust high-resolution models of terrestrial plate tectonics. 3. Understanding deep slab processes in the mantle. 4. Constraining crustal growth and differentiation in magmatic arcs. 5. Modeling of fluid and melt transport in subduction zones. 6. Deciphering evolution of high- and ultrahigh-pressure rock complexes. 7. Developing geochemical-thermo-mechanical models of subduction. 8. Coupling of subduction models with volcanic and seismic risk assessment. 9. Understanding the onset of plate tectonics on Earth. Progress in subduction modeling will require strong input from other disciplines (rheology, phase petrology, seismic tomography, geochemistry, numerical analysis, etc.). Indeed, due to the intrinsic complexity of terrestrial subduction processes, the role of geodynamic modeling will inevitably grow and provide an integrative basis for conducting quantitative cross-disciplinary subduction studies combining natural observations, laboratory experiments and modeling. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.