Experimental evidence has accumulated in the recent decade that nanoscale patterns can self-assemble on solid surfaces. The ability to pattern nanoscale structures guarantees a continuation in the miniaturization of functional devices and the devolvement of novel devices. We investigated the roles of several configurational forces in molding solid nanostructures, their collaborative actions, and their responses to external modulation. Based on our continuous phase field model, we developed the numerical technique and performed large-scale simulation of the process of formation and evolution of nanostructures on a solid surface. The simulation reveals remarkably rich dynamics and suggests a significant degree of experimental control in growing ordered nanoscale structures.