Material Properties of the Mantle and Core and their Constraints, Causes and Consequences for Earth Evolution

Research on the interior of the Earth is aimed at understanding Earth’s formation and evolution and the processes that control its structure, composition, and dynamics. This meeting will interrogate the structure and dynamics of the Earth’s interior through the prism of the properties of the materials that make up its mantle and core. Understanding these properties - for example, rheology, composition, elasticity, and thermal behavior - is key for understanding the structure and evolution of our planet. This meeting will explore how observations constrain these material properties, how our models of Earth’s interior are affected by the descriptions of Earth materials that they contain, and how experiments and theoretical work inform our view of material properties. The conference will feature multidisciplinary sessions focused on a range of topics, from the Earth’s lithosphere to its inner core.

The GRC on Interior of the Earth provides an intimate setting in which to explore the most interesting topics in deep Earth research from a cross-disciplinary perspective. Invited oral contributions will be followed by stimulating discussion sessions. The participation of junior scientists (graduate students and postdocs) is particularly encouraged; a preceding GRS is expected will draw junior scientists who will stay for the GRC. Both the GRS and the GRC will include vibrant, interactive poster sessions with abundant time for discussion, and unscheduled afternoons allow for free interactions among participants at all career stages. GRCs present a great opportunity to start cross-disciplinary collaborations and to learn about cutting-edge findings in adjacent fields.