Main Topics
The DGG meeting 2014 will focus on the following main topics:
S1: Rifting
Rifting is a fundamental process within the concept of plate tectonics. The cities of Karlsruhe and Strasbourg are located inside the Upper Rhine Graben, a Neogene continental rift. Research on rifting has a long tradition at both locations. During DGG 2014 there will be a focus on current structural studies of the crust and upper mantle as well as geodynamic modelling of continental and oceanic rifts. Special attention will be given to the Upper Rhine Graben. This focus theme will be organised jointly with the IPG Strasbourg and in English language.
S2: Full Waveform Inversion
The aim of the Full Waveform Inversion is the reconstruction of parameter models from the observed full signal. In order to use the full information content of the recorded signal a realistic and physically exact simulation of the wave propagation in the earth is necessary. The increasing computational power and the enhancements in the data acquisition allow a considerable progress in this field. Successful applications are especially described in the non-destructive material testing using ultrasound and the prospecting of near-surface groundwater using GPR. The proceeding methodical progress covers a wide range as for example the enhancement of data acquisition, the improvement of simulations on high performance computers and the selection of data adapted inversion strategies.
S3: Gravity Field and Gravimetry
The gravity field of the earth includes valuable information about the mass distribution in the earth's interior, mass movements and earth's viscoelastic response to exterior forces. Measurements of the gravitational acceleration are used on all scale lengths, e.g. for subsoil examinations, exploration of natural resource deposits, and also for the study of dynamics of the earth's mantle and core. Earth's response to tidal forces can be observed in changes of the gravitational acceleration as a function of time. Through this, new knowledge should be gained about the large-scale viscoelastic properties of the earth. Other time-variant changes of the gravity field are caused by local and regional hydrological signals. Long-time observations of the gravity field contribute to an imroved parameteter determination in the balance of the hydrological cycle. Last but not least, the gravitation field defines the vertical reference level for regional and national height reference systems, which was originally connected to the sea levels, but will prospectively be referred to a consistent global unified height reference system. In the past years, sensoring systems (satellite-based sensors, superconducting gravimeters, atomic-beam gravimeter, etc.) were newly developed or tremendously upgraded. Contributions from the entire field of gravimetry are invited. The range reaches from development of measuring instruments up the study of the earth's structure and dynamics.
S4: Geothermal Research
Due to the energy transition, the use of geothermal energy has advanced into a public focal point. In contrast to other forms of energy, this technology promises an environment friendly, low-carbon basic energy supply. Its development in Central-Europe has not advanced as much as the development of other renewable energies. Among other things, similar experiences like the ones gained in the hydrocarbon field, the technological optimization of reservoir properties and also the public acceptance are missing. The broad range of this topic will be shown here. The different topics spanning from induced seismicity to the optimization of reservoirs are a huge challenge for geosciences. In particular, this is true for the complexity of process coupling and reservoir structures. Focal points are the fields seismology, exploration, borehole geophysics as well as research in geochemistry, petrology, and hydrogeology. Contributions from the field of geomechanical process coupling deliver an overview of the effect of massive injections on the stress field and induced seismicity. Thematically related research in the carbohydrate research and the geological carbon dioxide storage should make comparison and a perspective to a technologically advancing domain possible.