Enabling the forecasting of geohazards.

Billions of people worldwide live under the threat of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, flash floods, and landslides. However, an understanding of the physical processes underlying these events could help us minimize the impact of such natural disasters. To this end, we are developing a new generation of Earth observation systems as well as innovative systems for modeling and reliable data interpretation. These systems will help to make long-term hazard assessments more successful, making threatening geohazards more predictable in the short term and mitigating their consequences through early warning systems.

We are also developing new methods to assess and simulate geohazards as well as the consequences of space weather with greater accuracy. Key research infrastructures include regional Earth system observatories in especially active regions, global earthquake monitoring networks such as the GEOFON program, satellite missions, and advanced analytical and experimental laboratories.

(Header: Thomas Walter)