Das Projekt "The Lake Naivasha Coring Project" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Potsdam, Institut für Geowissenschaften durchgeführt. High-quality chronologies of late Pleistocene tropical climate have become increasingly important in discussions concerning tropical forcing of deglaciation, i.e., the transition from a glacial to an interglacial. The key argument of this hypothesis is that tropical climate leads high-latitude ice volumes by several thousand years. A tropical forcing of deglaciation would also help to explain why ice ages occur in both hemispheres simultaneously, although the changes in solar irradiance from orbital variations have opposite effects in the two hemispheres. Lake Naivasha provides a unique opportunity to study a continuous record of tropical climate changes during the last two glacial-interglacial cycles (approximately 175 kyr) through sedimentologic and paleoecologic changes reflected in the sediments. We propose a two-step strategy to reconstruct the lake history during this period: (A) a high-resolution seismic survey to characterize the depositional setting, lake-level fluctuations and neotectonics in the Naivasha basin. This survey will also guide up to the best sites for (B) two 50- and 40-m-long sediment cores from the present lake area. These sediment records are expected to fill the gap between a well-studied section exposed south of the present lake (175 to 60 kyr before present) and two sediment cores studied in the 1960's (25 kyr to present).
Das Projekt "Integrated Observations from Near Shore Sources of Tsunamis: Towards an Early Warning System (NEAREST)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Stiftung Alfred-Wegener-Institut für Polar- und Meeresforschung e.V. in der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft (AWI) durchgeführt. NEAREST is addressed to the identification and characterisation of large potential tsunami sources located near shore in the Gulf of Cadiz; the improvement of near real-time detection of signals by a multiparameter seafloor observatory for the characterisation of potential tsunamigenic sources to be used in the development of an Early Warning System (EWS) Prototype; the improvement of integrated numerical models enabling more accurate scenarios of tsunami impact and the production of accurate inundation maps in selected areas of the Algarve (SW Portugal), highly hit by the 1755 tsunamis. In this area, highly populated and prone to devastating earthquakes and tsunamis, excellent geological/geophysical knowledge has already been acquired in the last decade. The methodological approach will be based on the cross-checking of multiparameter time series acquired on land by seismic and tide gauge stations, on the seafloor and in the water column by broad band Ocean Bottom Seismometers and a multiparameter deep-sea platform this latter equipped with real-time communication to an onshore warning centre. Land and sea data will be integrated to be used in a prototype of EWS. NEAREST will search for sedimentological evidences of tsunamis records to improve or knowledge on the recurrence time for extreme events and will try to measure the key parameters for the comprehension of the tsunami generation mechanisms. The proposed method can be extended to other near-shore potential tsunamigenic sources, as for instance the Central Mediterranean (Western Ionian Sea), Aegean Arc and Marmara Sea. Prime Contractor: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche CNR; Roma; Italy.
Das Projekt "Tsunami Risk ANd Strategies For the European Region (TRANSFER)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum durchgeführt. The project main goal is to contribute to our understanding of tsunami processes in the Euro-Mediterranean region, to the tsunami hazard and risk assessment and to identifying the best strategies for reduction of tsunami risk. Focus will be posed on the gaps and needs for the implementation of an efficient tsunami early warning system (TEWS) in the Euro- Mediterranean area, which is a high-priority task in consideration that no tsunami early warning system is today in place in the Euro-Mediterranean countries. The main items addressed by the project may be summarised as follows. The present Europe tsunami catalogue will be improved and updated, and integrated into a world-wide catalogue (WP1). A systematic attempt will be made to identify and to characterise the tsunamigenic seismic (WP2) and non-seismic (WP3) sources throughout the Euro-Mediterranean region. An analysis of the present-day earth observing and monitoring (seismic, geodetic and marine) systems and data processing methods will be carried out in order to identify possible adjustments required for the development of a TEWS, with focus on new algorithms suited for real-time detection of tsunami sources and tsunamis (WP4). The numerical models currently used for tsunami simulations will be improved mainly to better handle the generation process and the tsunami impact at the coast (WP5). The project Consortium has selected ten test areas in different countries. Here innovative probabilistic and statistical approaches for tsunami hazard assessment (WP6), up-to-date and new methods to compute inundation maps (WP7) will be applied. Here tsunami scenario approaches will be envisaged; vulnerability and risk will be assessed; prevention and mitigation measures will be defined also by the advise of end users that are organised in an End User Group (WP8). Dissemination of data, techniques and products will be a priority of the project (WP9). Prime Contractor: Alma Mater Studiorum-Universita di Bologna; Bologna, Italy.
Im Thema "Gebiete mit naturbedingten Risiken" wird auf geogene Naturgefahren durch Subrosion/Verkarstung sowie auf seismische Ereignisse hingewiesen. Im Datensatz enthalten sind Informationen zu Gefahrengebieten bzw. Gebieten mit Gefährdungspotenzial, beobachtete Ereignisse zum Subrosionsgeschehen sowie die Erdbebenereignisse, deren Herdgebiete im Land bzw. in unmittelbarer Umgebung liegen. Zum Thema gehören die Geodaten Gefahrenhinweise Subrosion und seismische Ereignisse.
Das Projekt "Earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides in the Corinth rift, Greece A multidisciplinary approach for measuring, modelling, and predicting their triggering mode and their effects (3HAZ-CORINTH)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum durchgeführt. The project will contribute to better measure, model, and predict the processes leading to earthquakes, andslides, submarine slides, and tsunamis, and their effect in terms of hazard. The target area is the rift of Corinth,well known for its exceptional activity with respect to these hazards. This work will focus on the western end of the rift, close to the cities of Patras and Aigion, where the risk is highest. We will study the short term seismic hazard with methods involving seismology, geodesy, geophysics, and geochemistry. In addition to strong motion analysis and prediction, transient processes (seismic swarms, 'silent' earthquakes, fluid transients) will be studied, for a better modelling fault mechanics and earthquake preparation processes. In addition to the existing monitoring arrays and data base, specific new instrumentation will be built. Near-real time alarms systems for significant earthquakes will be developed and tested. For the long term seismic hazard, the seismic potential of active faults will be assessed on land and offshore. For submarine slope failures, places of past and future potential slumps will be mapped, and complemented by marine sediment coring and dating on selected places. Scenarios of slope failure and of coseismic displacement of the sea floor will be the inputs for tsunami modelling. The latter will be implemented using the existing high resolution bathymetry for modelling of the wave run up. Early warning alarms will be developed and tested. For landslides, the main objective is to monitor and model the perturbation of the sliding of a well documented active landslide, in response to ground shaking from local earthquakes. Continuous GPS, seismic and tilt monitoring, and repeated advanced geodesy, will quantify sliding rates and constrain first order models. The feasibility of alarm systems will be studied. Prime Contractor: Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, Sismogénèse, Department de Sismologie; Paris; France.
Das Projekt "Physical properties, climate signals, and structural features of Tertiary sediments in the Southern McMurdo Sound (Antarctica) derived from downhole logging in the ANDRILL-SMS project" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Leibniz-Institut für Angewandte Geophysik durchgeführt. In the framework of the international ANtarctic DRILLing program (ANDRILL) the 1138 m deep core borehole SMS was drilled in the Southern McMurdo Sound (Ross Sea). The investigations of Antarctic Neogene ice sheet variations, of long-term climate evolutions and of the tectonic history of McMurdo Sound represent the main project aims. One part of the German participation in the ANDRILL project is the extensive geophysical logging of the SMS borehole. It delivers a main basis for answering a lot of questions in the scope of the whole project consisting of about 100 scientists. Interpreting the downhole logging data permits among other things to establish a complete lithological log, to characterize the drilled sediments petrophysically, to determine sedimentary structures and to get evidence about palaeoclimatic conditions during up to 19 Mio years. Seismic experiments in the borehole allow linking detailed geological information with shipborne seismic sections. This way, local results can be transformed into spatial information thus providing an important contribution to the understanding of the tectonic structure of the Ross Sea.
Das Projekt "Risk Mitigation for Earthquakes and Landslides (LESSLOSS)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Maurer und Söhne durchgeführt. Earthquake and landslide risk is a public safety issue that requires appropriate mitigation measures and means to protect citizens, property, infrastructure and the built cultural heritage. Mitigating this risk requires integrated and coordinated action that embraces a wide range of organisations and disciplines. For this reason, the LESSLOSS IP is formulated by a large number of European Centres of excellence in earthquake and geotechnical engineering integrating in the traditional fields of engineers and earth scientists some expertise of social scientists, economists, urban planners and information technologists. The LESSLOSS project addresses natural disasters, risk and impact assessment, natural hazard monitoring, mapping and management strategies, improved disaster preparedness and mitigation, development of advanced methods for risk assessment, methods of appraising environmental quality and relevant pre-normative research. In order for the multi-disciplinary S&T ingredients of the project to be tackled in an efficient and productive manner, the research programme has been split into three distinct areas: physical environment, urban areas and infrastructures. For each one of this areas four main types of transversal fields have been identified as fundamental and capable of producing permanent effects on risk mitigation: (i) instrumentation and monitoring, (ii) methods and technologies to reduce vulnerability, (iii) innovative approaches for design/assessment and (iv) disaster scenarios and loss modelling. Within this general framework, specific objectives will be pursued, such as the development of innovative methods and approaches to design and assessment of structures and earth slopes for both short- and long-term implementation, the development of advanced monitoring techniques and devices, and the development, manufacturing and testing of innovative isolating and dissipating seismic devices. Prime Contractor: Universita degli Studi di Pavia; Pavia; Italy.
Das Projekt "Mikroseismizität and Akustische Emission in ultra-tiefer Goldmine in Südafrika (JAGUARS)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum durchgeführt. Beobachtungen sind notwendig um Bruchprozesse zu studieren. In der Erdkruste bieten uns Minen die einmalige Möglichkeit Erdbeben vor Ort nahe ihrer Quelle zu beobachten und so neue Rückschlüsse über ihre physikalischen Gesetze zu ziehen. Seit Mai 2007 misst das JAGUARS-Projekt, eine Kooperation des GFZs mit japanischen Universitäten, kontinuierlich die mikro-seismische Aktivität in 3,5 km Tiefe in der Mponeng-Goldmine in Südafrika. Das hochsensible Netzwerk ist dabei erstmalig in der Lage seismische Aktivität in einem Frequenzbereich von 50 bis 200 000 Hz wahrzunehmen und damit Mikrobeben mit Magnituden M=-5 bis 0.5. Die Messung von Mikrobeben ist besonders interessant weil diese mit Laborexperimenten und tektonischen Beben verglichen werden können. Hauptkomponenten des Netzwerkes sind 8 Sensoren für akustische Emission (AE-Sensoren), ein 3-Komponenten-Beschleunigungsaufnehmer und zwei Strainmeter. Von Mai 2007 bis März 2008 wurden nahezu 300 000 Mikrobeben registriert. Die Analyse dieser Beben wird insbesondere Aufschluss darüber geben, ob kleine durch Bergbau induzierte Beben den gleichen Gesetzmäßigkeiten folgen wie tektonische Beben oder Bruchexperimente im Labor und welche physikalischen Prozesse im Bebenherd ablaufen.
Das Projekt "Hydrogeological and hydrochemical modelling of density-driven flow in the Tiberias Basin, in particular between Ha'on and Tiberias Regions, Jordan Valley" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Bundesamt für die Sicherheit der nuklearen Entsorgung durchgeführt. Die zweite Phase wird genutzt, um ein 3D Modell für das hoch spezialisierte Untersuchungsgebiet zu erstellen und um die Versalzungsvorgänge im Bereich des Sees Genezareth (TB) in Beziehung zu Störungen und tektonischen Gegebenheiten des Beckens zu verstehen. Eventuell wird der vorliegende Antrag zu einem ersten regionalen Modell mit Dichte-getriebenen Fluidbewegung für die Studienregion führen. Da das 2D und das vorläufige 3D Modell einen Einblick in den möglichen Transport Mechanismus gehen, ist es klar, dass ein 3D Modell basierend auf realen Strukturen ein besseres Verständnis der hydrologischen Vorgänge in Bezug auf Wärme- und Sole Migration in gefalteten Becken geben werden. Obgleich das 2D Modell physikalisch korrekt ist, sind geothermale Systeme mit Störungen komplex und weisen große geologische und physikalische Unterschiede auf. Eine Folge dieser Komplexität ist, dass ein 2D Modells kein vollständiges Bild eines Systems liefert, da es unmöglich ist die Wechselbeziehung zwischen verschiedenen 2D Schnitten zu extrapolieren. In dem Manuskript wird darauf verwiesen, dass Konvektionszellen meistens dreidimensional sind und deshalb in einem 3D Modell zu behandeln sind. Die vorläufigen 3D Modelle bestätigen diesen Aspekt (siehe 3D Abstract).Das Hauptziel ist die strukturellen, physikalischen und chemischen Eigenschaften an die Erfordernisse eines 3D numerischen Modells zu adaptieren. Um dieses Problem zu lösen, wird zunächst ein regionales Modell des Untersuchungsgebietes in (T3) erstellt, um in (T1) die Bildung eines vorläufigen 3D numerischen Modells basierend auf wirklichen Strukturdaten zu ermöglichen. Das geologische Modell wird fortlaufend blockweise verbessert, d.h. größere geologisch strukturelle Einheiten werden identifiziert entsprechend ihren (i) natürlichen Gegebenheiten (Störung, Faltung, Schichtung ), (ii) geochemischen Daten (T3 und T2) und (iii) verbesserten numerischen Ergebnissen (T1). Dies benötigt eine gut durchdachte Planung und Koordination des multidisziplinären Herangehens. Zurzeit ist das 2D und vorläufige 3D beendet. Sie zeigen mehrere Konvektionssysteme (siehe Manuskript). Offene Fragestellungen sind:-Wie entwickeln sich 2D Muster in 3D?-Wie können wir die Theorie (z.B. Rayliegh, Nusselt) korrekt anwenden, um den Fortsetzung von 3D Konvektionen auf Störungen und benachbarte Gebiete voraussagen?-Unter welchen Bedingungen können konvektive Bewegungen immer noch als 3D oder 2D betrachtet werden? Die Lösung dieser Schlüsselfragen wird erklären:-den treibenden Mechanismus von aktivem Fluidtransport Prozess in gestörten Systemen,-die beobachtete Temperatur von Solen und ihrer chemischen Derivate im Tiberias Becken, im Besonderen zwischen den westlichen und östlichen Solen in HTR-Das Studium der 3D Konvektionsmuster und die Rolle von Bruchstrukturen und mehr permeabler Bereichen auf die tiefe Fluidbewegung, ihren Einfluss auf den Massen- und Energie Transport.
Das Projekt "Integrated Geophysical Exploration Technologies for Deep Fractured Geothermal Systems (I-GET)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum durchgeführt. The share of renewable energy sources in the European energy balance can be increased by a meaningful contribution of geothermal energy. Since the mining cost (exploration and drilling) to access the resources represents over 60 percent of the total investment, a reduction in mining cost would increase the competitiveness of geothermal energy significantly. This goal can be achieved if we had a way to detect the presence of the fluids inside the natural and/or enhanced geothermal systems before any drilling operation. The project I-GET is aimed at developing an innovative geothermal exploration approach based on advanced geophysical methods. The objective is to improve the detection, prior to drilling, of fluid bearing zones in naturally and/or artificially fractured geothermal reservoirs. This new approach will be tested in four European geothermal systems with different geological and thermodynamic reservoir characteristics: two high enthalpy (metamorphic and volcanic rocks), one middle enthalpy geothermal system (deep sedimentary rocks), and one low enthalpy geothermal system (shallow sedimentary rocks). Petrophysical and geomechanical properties of the investigated rocks will be defined by laboratory measurements. With respect to the high enthalpy sites elastic and electric rock properties will be determined at the steam/liquid transition of the pore fillings. The validity of the laboratory and simulation results will be verified by new field experiments. Seismic and magnetotelluric data will be acquired in the test sites, and new acquisition and processing techniques will be developed to solve problems related to the particular target such as high temperatures, anisotropy, phase condition, etc.. The static and dynamic three-dimensional model of geothermal reservoirs will be reconstructed by means of all the data acquired. The input of the results of new geophysical prospecting into reservoir modelling is a crucial test of the quality of the new exploration method.