Tectonic Analogue Modelling
The Tectonic Analogue Modelling laboratory is a modern facility devoted the development of scaled physical models of tectonic processes.
Two types of materials are generally used: frictional materials (e.g. sand and other finer powders), to simulate the brittle (Coulomb-Mohr) behaviour of upper crustal rocks; and viscous materials (e.g. different types of silicone putties, plasticine, honey, glycerin, etc.) to simulate the ductile behaviour of middle crustal rocks or the asthenosphere.