The Modeling Collaboratory for Subduction (MCS) is a community- and model-building effort to advance subduction zone science. In April 2022, the MCS and SZ4D RCNs officially joined under the overarching SZ4D umbrella, and MCS became one of the core facilities and activities of SZ4D. 

The objective of MCS is to create new kinds of physics-based models for subduction zone hazards and apply them to understand fundamental physical processes, guide instrumentation deployments, interpret observations, and assess predictability of hazards. Specifically, MCS activities are built around the following overarching objectives:

​

• Construct models that link subduction zone state and long-term margin evolution to the character and predictability of event occurrence

• Integrate observational constraints into models, while simultaneously using models to define optimal observational strategies

• Build physics-based, predictive models for volcano, earthquake, and geomorphic systems that are spatially and temporally coupled

• Foster a broad network of scientists with strong expertise in modern modeling tools

The MCS group works toward addressing the science questions posed by the SZ4D working groups.