Georesources and Geohazards
We focus our research on fundamental understanding of processes involved in the generation of georesources, on new methods for their discovery and exploitation, and on the environmental factors leading to geological hazard and associated risk.
Innovative methods are being developed to understand the deformation of the Earth's crust through field work, laboratory analyses, and numerical models. Seismic imaging techniques are used in the exploration of oil and gas. New concepts and technologies are elaborated to utilise geothermal energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the formation and development of magmatic and hydrothermal ore systems is being investigated to better understand the creation of mineral resources and to develop sustainable methods for their exploration and degradation. Petrology and geochemistry of rocks and minerals are of major interest for our research, in particular in the Earth's interior, to understand the geodynamic processes and material cycles in its mantle and crust.
To get a better understanding of geohazards, mechanisms and processes of crustal deformation are investigated. Seismic imaging and modelling of seismic waves are also central topics, with the aim of improving seismic data quality and precisely determining subsurface properties. Seismic monitoring and risk assessment of earthquakes are important areas of research to improve the prediction of and preparation for seismic events. Finally, high quality earthquake monitoring contributes to increased safety and preparedness for seismic events.
Research groups in our Georesources and Geohazards theme strongly collaborate with industrial and governmental partners to deploy this fundamental understanding applied to the discovery and quantification of new resources, to the mitigation of hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and nuclear waste disposal, and to investigate processes and risks associated with the exploitation of deep geothermal energy.