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Creep in the crust and mantle is commonly considered a steady-state process. This view prevails despite the fact that earthquakes do not represent steady-state and at the base of the seismogenic zone, for example, the stresses that drive creep must vary with the earthquake cycle. The contribution of transient versus steady-state behaviour is not easy to determine from naturally-deformed brittle or plastic rocks and our view of steady-state depends on whether we consider geological or shorter time-scales. Perhaps we avoid a non steady-state picture because we lack appropriate descriptive or quantitative tools. The aim of the 2010 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) in rock deformation is to explore what we know about non steady-state deformation and how we might advance our understanding through geological and geophysical field investigations, laboratory experiments and modelling. This will require an appraisal of the applicability of steady-state concepts as well as an exploration of transient behaviour, in which processes and physical properties cycle between different states as might be the case during earthquake cycles, and transitions in behaviour, where finite strain or changing environmental conditions lead to changes in processes and properties. Conference sessions will cover four broad and interlinked topics. 1) Seismogenic faulting and brittle fault rocks, where transience in rates and conditions are accepted but not fully understood. 2) Creep in zones of stress cycling, as might be expected in areas adjacent to the base of the seismogenic zone. 3) Mechanism and microstructure transitions, associated with changes in deformation kinematics or conditions. 4) Deformation and metamorphism, exploring the interaction of diagenesis/metamorphism (including polymorphic phase transformations) with deformation. The role of fluids, including hydrous fluids, hydrocarbons and melts will be embedded within each topic area. The development of mechanical instabilities is also important to all of these areas and will have an impact that depends on the scale of the system. The GRC format of focussed, in-depth talks and extended discussion together with the opportunity for all participants to present research posters will provide a great opportunity for the geosciences community to discuss this difficult topic.

A list of preliminary session topics and speakers is displayed below (discussion leaders are noted in italics). The detailed program is currently being developed by the Conference Chair and will be available by April 8, 2010. Please check back for updates.