Abstract
Experiments on deformation of the lithosphere can be performed only in computers. Finite-element codes are best because they can represent lateral strength variations, including faults. Although variations of temperature, strength, and density in the lithosphere must be represented in three dimensions, it is usually sufficient to parameterize the velocity field in two dimensions, giving `thin-plate' or `thin-shell' codes. Four such freeware codes (LARAMY, FAULTS, PLATES and SHELLS) are offered at ftp://element.ess.ucla.edu. Their capabilities include local neotectonic problems with many faults, global neotectonic problems with many plates and finite strain problems with crust/mantle detachment; the only capability not yet available is finite strain with discrete faults of large offset. Model predictions include velocities, fault-slip rates, anelastic strain rates and vertically integrated stresses, which can be tested by comparison with data from geologic mapping, seismology and geodesy.
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