2.1.3. Novel geoscientific technology, key to a TOPO-EUROPE database
|
|
| Fig. 8. Recent (micro-)satellite missions, in part coordinated by TOPO-EUROPE partners, have led to great improvements in the resolution of gravity measurements. Picture shows an artists’ impression of the GRACE satellites and gravity models of Europe and the Earth (Courtesy GFZ-Potsdam). |
TOPO-EUROPE researchers will benefit from new fundamental geoscientific technologies and significant refinements to existing methods and analytical techniques that have been introduced over the past decade. For example, data provided by the CHAMP, GRACE and ØRSTEDT and later-on GOCE and SWARM geophysical satellites will provide new insights into the European magnetic, gravimetric and geodetic fields (Fig. 8). Combinations of synthetic aperture radar (SAR, InSAR), global positioning (GPS and GALILEO) and related satellite-based data will permit to monitor local-, regional- and continental-scale changes in surface topography with unprecedented precision. Additionally, the geophysical satellites provide an opportunity to detect density and temperature inhomogeneities governing the dynamics of surface deformations. Near-instantaneous movements of land caused by earthquakes, rock falls and collapsing underground mines, as well as much slower natural and anthropogenic-generated subsidence can be resolved. A better understanding of active tectonic processes requires improved characterizations of active deformation. In addition to information provided by satellite-based observations, geological and geophysical mapping of the shallow and deep geometry of seismogenic faults and analysis of fault kinematics and slip rates over geological and historical time scales is required. Shallow underground variations, including ground-water flow, will be monitored using novel surface and borehole hydrological and geophysical methods. TOPO-EUROPE plans to incorporate innovative methodologies and datasets such as semi-automated processing of ARES (Airborne hyperspectral sensor) reflective and emissive data, extraction and fusion of spectral and spatial information, spectral mixture modelling and quantification, multi-temporal modelling and change detection, and improved InSAR processing for detection of land subsidence and uplift.