Using underworld code for short-term dynamics

[WayneCrawford]

Dear all,

My research group is interested in studying the interaction between magma chambers and faults in the context of the newly-discovered Mayotte volcanic system. We are looking for software/algorithms for modelling this interaction and I was particularly attracted to Underworld, although at first glance it is not ideally suited to this sort of short-term, at least partly elastic, problem. First, I like the interface and documentation, which I think would make it accessible to our students. Second, we may want to look at the longer-term dynamics leading to the existing structures, in which case Underworld might be perfectly adapted. I have worked with PyLith and COMSOL before, but neither seems as accessible/code-able as Underworld. My questions are:

• Has anyone used Underworld for this sort of problem?
• If not, can Underworld be used for this sort of problem?
• If not, do you know of other codes that might be useful.

Best regards
Wayne Crawford