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What Makes a Geoscience Model Useful?
Modelling is ubiquitous in geoscience, from conceptual models used to summarise qualitative outcrop interpretations, to experimental analogue models and complex numerical process models used to advance our understanding fundamental processes. Geoscience models of all types are widely used for prediction across all areas of geoscience, for example in natural hazard prediction, in subsurface prediction in the exploration, appraisal and production of natural resources, and increasingly in sequestration and energy storage. In all cases, the question applies: what makes a geoscience model useful? Answering this question is important because it requires that we fully understand and optimise the modelling process to best develop and encapsulate robust understanding and therefore make the best possible predictions.
Aims of Meeting
The meeting aims to use oral, poster and keynote presentations combined with discussion and debate sessions to progress answers to the following questions:
- What makes a geoscience model useful?
- How should conceptual, analogue and numerical models be used and integrated in geoscience?
- How much do conceptual models inform, influence or limit data collection and interpretation?
- Do digital outcrop models have significant untapped potential, for example to improve existing conceptual models?
- What does it mean for a model to be predictive?
- How do you find the simplest model or models able to answer the question being asked?
- Are simple process models as useful as complex process models?
- Do we need metrics for model complexity?
- What new process models remain to be developed
Potential outputs of the conference include a white paper on best practice in geoscience modelling. This could perhaps form an excellent starting point for a GSL Special Publication presenting papers building on the themes presented during the conference
Who is this conference aimed at?
This conference will be useful to any geoscientist who uses models, from conceptual and digital outcrop models, to models that integrate multiple forms of data, to full-physics analogue and numerical process models. It will be useful if you want to better understand where the boundary between models and data lies, how best to develop and/or apply models for robust prediction, and how further development of models can advance geoscience. We anticipate and welcome participants from all areas of geoscience spanning academia, industry and teaching.
Convenors
- Prof. Peter Burgess – University of Liverpool
- Dr Brian Burnham – VRGeoscience
- Prof. Tim Dooley – Bureau of Economic Geology, The University of Texas at Austin
- Prof. Cathy Hollis – University of Manchester
- Prof. Janine Kavanagh – University of Liverpool
- Prof. Yvonne Spychala – RWTH Aachen University
- Dr Georg Warrlich – Shell
