1The Australian Solid Earth Simulator program and ad- vances in understanding the physics of earthquakes

The Australian Solid Earth Simulator program aims to develop micro-scale simulation models and software systems and to use the new virtual laboratory capability to probe the physics of complex solids and earthquakes. The ultimate aim of the program is to progress towards the grand scientific challenge of earthquake forecasting and to provide a means to develop improved industrial processes. The program consists of two main components: (1) development of micro-scale simulation models and studies of the underlying mechanisms for earthquakes, fault zone behaviour, localisation phenomena and macroscopic failure; and (2) development of macro-scale simulation models and studies of the physics of interacting fault systems in the Australian intraplate setting and crustal geodynamics. The core research program is multi-institutional involving QUAKES, CSIRO and University of Western Australia, and is collaborative with participants of the ACES visitors program and the Australian Geological Survey Organisation. QUAKES has developed a plug-and-play micro-scale simulation software system – LSMearth – that provides a powerful virtual laboratory an