3.4.2. Program scope and objectives

Although major research efforts have already been devoted to the understanding of the evolution, neotectonics and hazard assessment of the Iberian micro-continent, concepts developed so far need to be critically reassessed and validated by a multidisciplinary approach, involving integration of all available and acquisition of new data, as well as data-interactive modelling, both of the analogue and numerical type. In this respect, the cornerstones of the TOPO-EUROPE program include the application of state-of-the-art and the development of advanced data acquisition methodologies in the fields of space geodesy, thermochronology/geochronology (astronomical time scales), paleostresses, sedimentary record, seismology, lithosphere and mantle tomography and geomorphology studies. Previous investigations by TOPO-EUROPE research groups in Iberia provide a strong starting point for this new endeavour (Cloetingh et al., 2005b).