This dataset provides sieve data (grain size distributions) on natural and artificial granular materials used for experimental simulation by the analogue geodynamic modelling community (21 sands and glass beads). The material samples have been collected community-wide and analysed at GFZ Potsdam in the framework of the GeoMod2008 conference benchmark initiative. The context of data collection, details of the material samples and measuring techniques as well as interpretation and discussion of results can be found in Klinkmüller et al. (2016) to which this dataset is supplement material.

The data presented here are derived by sieving using a RETSCH Vibratory Sieve Shaker AS 200 basic at GFZ Potsdam’s analogue laboratory for tectonic modelling. Mesh sizes used were 630, 400, 355, 224, 125, and 63 micrometer. 1 kg of each sample material has been sieved for 4 hours at maximum Amplitude (3 mm). Laboratory conditions were air conditioned during all the measurements (Temperature: 23°C, Humidity: 45%).The resulting sieve analysis data are presented as fractions of 1 kg.

An overview of all files of the data set is given in the table SieveDataOverview.