EARTH SCIENCE EUROPE DEVELOPING EARTH SCIENCE FOR EUROPE
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EARTH SCIENCE EUROPE DEVELOPING EARTH SCIENCE FOR EUROPE
CONTE NTS
3 INTRODUCTION
EARTH SCIE NCE EUROPE
Earth Science Europe advocates set out their vision for this initiative.
ESE is a grass-roots initiative. Through a process begun
in October 2012, and subsequent actions, the solid-Earth
science community has started to self-organize behind some 4 EARTH SCIENCE EUROPE
key science initiatives, defining the infrastructure needs and Here we make the case for integrated Earth-science research across Europe, supporting
overarching vision for solid-Earth science in Europe. ESE aims
to provide a voice for the community in Europe, to promote society and industry through better management of natural resources and geohazard risks.
collaboration across the research spectrum and in the translation
of geological data and knowledge delivery. The community
includes representatives of many European organizations 6 THE BIG QUESTIONS
and associations including EGU, EAGE, EuroGeoSurveys, People wonder about the origin of the Earth, the universe and
EAG, European projects and programmes and research
infrastructures, cutting-edge scientists in our field including life itself. Earth science holds the key to discovering our origins.
ERC award-holders, and industry representatives. ESE has met
formally twice, and held an online consultation in order to involve
a greater proportion of the community and its stakeholders. This 8 THE DYNAMIC EARTH
brochure is the first product of the initiative. April 2014 Changes to the shape of the Earth’s surface affect our society on human timescales.
This booklet was produced by the British Geological Survey. Measuring and understanding deformation across Europe demands global Earth science.
BGS is a national research centre supported by the Natural
Environment Research Council and is its principal supplier of
national capability in geoscience for the UK. www.bgs.ac.uk 10 A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE
Everybody wants to live a safe and comfortable life. Earth science helps societies
ESE Chair John Ludden, BGS
Coordinated by Vicky Hards, BGS to achieve these aims, minimizing the impact of unavoidable natural hazards.
Edited and written by Sue Bowler (s.bowler@leeds.ac.uk)
Designed and produced by Paul Johnson
(www.higgs-boson.com) 12 LIVING ON PLANET EARTH
Successful societies need resources: water, energy and raw materials. Earth science is the
Image credits. p1 ©ESA. p4 BGS ©NERC. p5 Oil rig: ©Harald
Pettersen/Statoil ASA. Geyser: ©Mark Soskolne/Dreamstime. foundation of the exploration and responsible use of Europe’s natural resources.
Turbine: ©London Array Ltd. House: ©Olivier Le Queinec/
Dreamstime. p6 S Steinvall ©IODP/ECORD. p7 Vent: Ridge2000
©MGDS www.marine-geo.org. Trilobite: BGS ©NERC. Earth: 14 DRIVING EUROPEAN GROWTH
©ESA. p8 M Jakobsson ©ECORD/IODP. p9 Earths: ©ESA. It takes Earth science to find the raw materials, water and energy resources that build
Norway: ©ESA. Sentinel-1: ©ESA/ATG medialab. p10 ©Piergiorgio
Scarlato, INGV. p11 Barrier: Marcelmooij/Dreamstime. economic prosperity, support Europe’s industries and promote innovative technologies.
Map: SHARE www.share-eu.org. p12 Hamburg: ©Markus
Gann/Dreamstime. p13 Ship: ICDP. Stibnite: BGS ©NERC.
p14 ©Claireshearer/Dreamstime. p15 Quarry: BGS ©NERC. 16 INSPIRATION AND INFORMATION
Carbon capture: Statoil ASA. p16 BGS ©NERC. p17 Children: A unified voice for Earth science in Europe will inspire the next generation of scientists and
BGS ©NERC. Earthquake: Walter Graneri/Dreamstime. p18
Reproduced with permission of OneGeology Secretariat, CGMW clarify communication with national decision makers – and foster a technically skilled workforce.
& registered participants. All rights reserved. p19 ©Schlumberger.
Cover The face of Europe shown as a mosaic of true-colour land 18 THE NEXT STEPS
images taken by the Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer Earth science in Europe needs strategic decision-making, integrated research infrastructure and a
(MERIS) instrument on ESA’s Envisat environmental satellite. ©ESA
strong voice, to address research and societal challenges and drive prosperity through innovation.
2 EARTH SCIENCE EUROPE
INTRODUC TION
Earth sciences
support society,
“ Earth-science
related research “ Future demand for
energy and natural “ Earth science data
benefit society when
services and products resources requires fully exploited: accessed,
from discovery underpin much of our new ideas about the aggregated, used
science to better livelihood. Integration subsurface. Earth and reused. We need
management of the science base Science Europe will help interdisciplinary services
of our natural resources and from research through to provide geoscientists for researchers and a
geohazards. Earth Science government to the and engineers roadmap to directly
private sector is essential; Earth Science with innovative data and a diverse involve scientists and stake-holders in the
Europe is a grass-roots initiative
to unify Earth scientists and work ”
Europe plans to facilitate this community for discussion. It will also grand challenges of the environment and
John Ludden: Executive Director, inspire new generations to investigate human welfare: Earth Science Europe
”
together with other stakeholders
for a safe and prosperous Europe.
British Geological Survey; Chair, Earth
Science Europe
the geosciences in years to come
Gladys Gonzalez: President, EAGE ” Massimo Cocco: INGV; EPOS
Co-ordinator
“ Earth science matters
in our everyday lives, “ Earth Science Europe
is the next step towards “ The ocean covers
three quarters of our “ As both data
collection and research
from safeguarding us integrating European planet and plays a major tools in the Earth
from natural disasters, to research to address role in natural resources sciences become
supplying our growing fundamental challenges and the climate. Recent more sophisticated,
population with energy concerning multi-scale breakthroughs at the specialized and
and water. Pooling ideas Earth processes and interface between expensive, it is essential
about the dynamics of societal challenges in, Earth sciences, biology, that we coordinate
planet Earth – its chemistry, physics and
biology, above and below the surface – is
for instance, energy and georesources
Sierd Cloetingh: Chair, TOPO-EUROPE ” numerical modeling and climate
research point the way forward. Not only
our resources across Europe in order to
tackle the grand science challenges of
exactly the right tack to take, and Earth Steering Committee; President, is the present the key to the past, the the future
”
Science Europe is right on track!
”
Brian Horsfield: Executive Director, ICDP
International Lithosphere Program;
Member, Scientific Council ERC Henk Brinkhuis: NIOZ ”
past is key to our future Chris Ballentine: President, European
Association of Geochemistry
“ Society faces the
grand challenge of “ Earth sciences
address major societal “ Europe needs
geological data, “ Our affluent societies
are at risk of forgetting
ensuring human demands such as information, knowledge the fragile balance of
wellness and hazards mitigation and and expertise to resource s and dangers
sustainability. We need sustainable resources… address urgent societal implicit in our natural
to better understand but above all the human challenges. Earth environment, and the
the Earth system and desire to always explore Science Europe can planetary forces which
human impacts on that further and understand serve to strengthen the have brought them
system. Earth Science Europe will help better our Earth, other planets and our European research community across into being. Read on for a clear overview
us to reduce global environmental risks origin. Earth Science Europe will help us Earth science disciplines and sectors, of the fundamental challenges, and the
and sustain planetary resources
”
Montserrat Torné: Director, Institute of
progress along this path
”
Michel Diament: Acting Director,
from fundamental science to policy
Mart van Bracht: President, ” technologies we have to overcome them
Donald Bruce Dingwell: Third ”
Earth Sciences Jaume Almera; CSIC CNRS-INSU EuroGeoSurveys Secretary General, ERC
EARTH SCIENCE EUROPE 3
E ARTH SCIE NCE EU ROPE
Looking ahead Modern
Earth-science research
relies on innovative
instruments for data
collection, coupled with
the infrastructure to
combine and integrate
varied types and sources
of data.
4 EARTH SCIENCE EUROPE
● Societies need to be safe from natural ● Coordination of observations, data ● An integrated research infrastructure
hazards, with reliable supplies of power storage and analysis will enhance across Europe will foster authoritative
and natural resources, in order to understanding of Europe’s natural communication of Earth-science
prosper resources and hazards information, to support society
Here we make the case for integrated
Earth-science research across Europe,
supporting society and industry
through better management of natural
resources and geohazard risks.
E
arth science has the potential to inspire, pro-
tect and enrich the people of Europe. Earth
science is the gateway to exploring the ori-
gin of our planet and the complex web of physical,
chemical and biological processes that made and
keep it habitable. Earth science is the key to man-
aging the risks associated with natural hazards,
especially in a changing climate. We need Earth
science to find and safely use natural resources,
to support prosperous societies and develop new
industries to maintain economic growth.
In order to realize that potential, Earth scientists
need to develop a comprehensive vision of the ability to engage with challenges facing society, Above Society and
Earth, inside and out, as it changes through time. such as geohazards and energy supply in a chang- business need reliable
supplies of energy,
Modern computing methods mean that simulations ing climate. New ways of working that transcend
whether from oil and gas
of the Earth system in space and time are now fea- borders will produce a capable, flexible workforce or renewable sources
sible – and will drive innovative research. able to address big problems and bring solutions to such as geothermal and
business, industry and society. wind. Europe’s energy
INTEGRATED RESEARCH The coordinated approach set out in this booklet balance will include
Earth scientists now recognize that the evolu- will drive scientific solutions to the challenges fac- all three in the next
tion of our planet, our physical environment and ing society. Education and outreach are fundamen- decades.
life itself are intrinsically connected. As a result, tal: inspirational research brings young people into
Right Flooding is just
research needs to be diverse and multidisciplinary; technical careers; practical information enables one of the natural
new observational technology, new methodologies informed decision-making throughout society. The hazards that Earth
for data collection and storage and collaborations aim is to build public confidence in the assessment science can help to
across disciplines and countries, are needed – in of geohazards and management of their effects, predict and it supports
short, a new research infrastructure across Europe. and in renewing supplies of natural resources. The the development of
A new cooperative research model together with its means to achieve this aim is the establishment of strategies to avoid the
worst effects.
necessary infrastructure will provide the framework an authoritative science community that speaks
for global-scale research success and enhance our with one voice: Earth Science Europe. ●
EARTH SCIENCE EUROPE 5
TH E BIG Q U ESTIONS Cold snap Earth-science data must be collected in extreme environments such as the Arctic in order to gain a full understanding of the history of our planet. 6 EARTH SCIENCE EUROPE
● The origin of our planet and of life itself ● Earth scientists study the past in order ● Collaboration and joint research projects
inspires awe and wonder in us all; Earth to understand the present and protect will enable sucessful European Earth-
science explores these big questions our future Earth science research on the global stage
People wonder about the origin Earth science combines traditional
fieldwork with investigative tech-
of the Earth, the universe nologies such as gravity surveys,
and life itself. Earth deep drilling, geochemical map-
science holds the key to ping and geodetic surveys. This
store of information about the
discovering our origins. origin, nature and evolution
of Europe is revolutionizing
E
arth is a special planet. how we see our planet –
It is the only planet in but it is also highlighting
the solar system with problems. New instruments
an oxygen atmosphere, and techniques for observa-
oceans of water and a rich tions in remote and inaccessi-
biosphere including intelligent ble sites such as the Arctic are
life. We know of no planet like it, improving data coverage across
among the hundreds so far found the continent, but gaps remain: on
around other stars. How did Earth the seafloor, for example. Variable
Above Using a
form? When, where and how did life and incompatible data standards also submersible to explore E POS: INTEG R ATING
begin? How did life survive and thrive limit progress. Procedures can vary hydrothermal vents SOLID - EARTH DATA
for thousands of millions of years? from nation to nation and between under the sea: perhaps
disciplines such as geochemistry and the environment where The European Plate Observing System is a
GLOBAL CYCLES geophysics. life on Earth began. framework for solid-Earth sciences research
Earth scientists understand that our hab- Removing these barriers will stream- across Europe, an element of the European
Left Fossils such as
itable environment today depends on com- line European Earth-science research. Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures’
trilobites tell Earth
plex interactions between the surface and deep The process has begun, with projects such as roadmap. EPOS unites existing national solid-
scientists about the
Earth, through rock, soil, rivers, oceans and atmo- OneGeology and the European Geological Data environment at the Earth research networks, linking satellite,
sphere. Our magnetic field – a shield against harm- Infrastructure programme, in which national geo- surface of the Earth when seismic, surface dynamics, volcanic and oceanic
ful radiation from space – owes its existence to the logical surveys are working to harmonize data they lived, hundreds of observations with experimental and analytical
flow of molten iron in the Earth’s core. We owe our management. Closer research links and strat- millions of years ago. laboratories, uniting researchers as a virtual
unique atmosphere to gas released from the deep egic planning will enable inspirational science community. EPOS works by integrating existing
Below left From space,
Earth by volcanoes; plate tectonics and discoveries that evoke awe and national infrastructures in ways that enhance
Earth is dominated by
has helped to regulate our cli- wonder about the origin of access to the data and promote its use in
the greens and blues
mate over millennia. Earth life itself. Earth scientists of life, unlike Mars or innovative ways. While the links being developed
scientists investigate across Europe, together, Venus. Understanding by EPOS will benefit researchers initially,
when these planet- can achieve a deeper how this happened tells stakeholders in industry, business and society
scale connections understanding of the us about our origins and will also benefit.
began and how processes that cre- the prospects for life WWW.EPOS-EU.ORG
elsewhere in the universe.
they interact. ated our world. ●
EARTH SCIENCE EUROPE 7
TH E DYNAMIC E ARTH Solid rock These distorted and folded rocks carry a record of past plate collision; today’s tectonics alters geohazard risks. 8 EARTH SCIENCE EUROPE
● Earth’s surface is dynamic, constantly ● Deformation on human timescales alters ● Monitoring and imaging the Earth will
changing as a result of both surface and both the risks and impacts of geohazards enable modelling of the processes that
deep Earth processes such as flooding and landslides shape our planet – now and in the future
Changes to the shape of the Earth’s
OUR SHIF TING SURFACE
surface affect our society on
Since 2005, an international collaboration called
human timescales. Measuring and
TOPO-EUROPE has been working to understand
understanding deformation across how and why the topography of Europe is
Europe demands global Earth science. changing – and what it means for European
society. TOPO-EUROPE is a programme
designed to describe the Earth system that
T
he surface of the Earth is constantly chang- determines the shape of our continent, monitor
ing its form and nature; on timescales rang- how it changes, predict its future evolution and
ing from months to millions of years, the evaluate how we can best live within that system.
surface bulges, subsides and shears. We live on TOPO-EUROPE is using Europe’s mountain
this shifting surface; Earth scientists document belts, sedimentary basins and continental
the processes from the deep Earth that drive the margins as natural laboratories, bringing
constant movement and deformation at the surface. after ice sheets melt; and water use by cities and Above Maps of together Earth scientists with a broad range of
The tectonic plates that make up the surface of industries can bring subsidence over decades. The gravitational variation, expertise across geology, geophysics, geodesy
the Earth move a few centimetres each year, ulti- steady weathering and erosion of highlands and soil moisture and ocean and geotechnology. As well as mapping slow
salinity plus Antarctic
mately as a result of convection in the deep Earth. the build-up of sediment in lowlands inexorably landscape changes, TOPO-EUROPE is assessing
ice cover, demonstrating
Continental collisions produced great mountain changes the topography and subsurface water flow. the power and global
how they affect the risk of natural hazards.
ranges such as the Alps, contorting the rocks that These changes, individually almost imperceptible, reach of European Space WWW.TOPO-EUROPE.EU
built them. The constantly drifting jigsaw of plates have consequences that include increased risk of Agency satellite data.
brings stress and deformation to surface rocks in catastrophic landslides and flooding.
the form of earthquakes at plate edges. Subtler Tectonic processes form the template on which Left Sentinel-1, the first of
stress changes within the plates cause more than life and society evolve. Climate, soil formation and Europe’s new generation
of environmental
60% of earthquake deaths worldwide – and much of erosion, and changes in biodiversity are fundamen-
monitoring satellites, was
Europe is at risk. Integrated observations of conti- tally linked to the changing nature and form of the launched in April to map
nental deformation using satellite data have proved surface of the Earth. Integrative data collection distortions of the Earth’s
powerful for mapping strain: radar interferometry and research, including environmental data such surface using radar.
can map distortions of just a few millimetres. as biogeochemistry, will help to illuminate these
connections. Right The shape of the
RISING AND SINKING At present, monitoring of these processes is patchy continental margin off
Norway (top), the base of
Slower landscape changes driven across Europe. Incompatible formats and data gaps
the Earth’s crust (middle)
by land rising and sinking come impede fundamental understanding. An integrated and the base of the rigid
about for many reasons and over approach to European Earth science will bring lithosphere (lowest),
a range of timescales: mountain better understanding of the mapped using satellite
building drives both uplift and changes that affect the geodesy and geophysics.
subsidence over millions of years; surface of the Earth,
glaciated regions rise for thousands of years where we all live. ●
EARTH SCIENCE EUROPE 9
A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE Sleeping giant Millions of people live and work at risk from the effects of volcanic eruptions. 10 E A R T H S C I E N C E E U R O P E
● Earth science is essential for ● Understanding geohazards helps us ● Climate change will alter our exposure
understanding the distribution and to mitigate their effects and develop to geohazards; future resilience will be
frequency of natural hazards effective disaster preparedness enhanced by Earth-science knowledge
Everybody wants to live a safe and
SHARE: SHARING KNOWLEDGE
comfortable life. Earth science helps AND COMMUNICATING RISK
societies to achieve these aims,
The SHARE project – Seismic Hazard
minimizing the impact of unavoidable Harmonization in Europe – began by harmonizing
natural hazards. data and methodologies for assessing seismic
hazards across the continent. These assessments
E
urope’s natural hazards include earthquakes, are combined with modelling of the effects of
volcanic eruptions, landslides, catastrophic expected earthquakes, using data from past
floods and storms, as well as global haz- events. This results in maps showing how likely
ards such as tsunamis, asteroid impacts and solar it is that a certain level of ground shaking will
storms. While hazards are inevitable, the worst of be exceeded in the next 50 years, for example.
their consequences are not: loss of life and economic This is essential for understanding the overall
cost can be minimized. Earth scientists use past seismic risk. SHARE focused on the seismic
events combined with monitoring and modelling to hazard in order to support the development
assess potential risks from geohazards. This, com- of both European and national standards for
bined with effective planning and governance, keeps mitigation of their effects. With the harmonized
people and businesses safe and boosts prosperity. assessment of seismic risk provided by SHARE,
Earthquakes are a particular hazard in south- monitoring allows hazardous volcanic activity to Above This barrier in national and European authorities can set in place
ern and eastern Europe. The SHARE consortium be anticipated; developing coherent observation Zeeland, Holland, was earthquake engineering standards at suitable
built after the storm and
has taken a lead in collaborating on data stand- campaigns for volcanic areas and wider regions levels to protect homes and the more stringent
tidal surge of 1953. Better
ards and communicating the risk across national at risk, then integrating the data with the work of requirements for critical infrastructure such as
understanding of the
boundaries and in ways useful to national and civil protection organizations will improve Europe’s drivers of such events will hospitals and power plants. WWW.SHARE-EU.ORG
European authorities (see panel, right). This risk- resilience in the face of these hazards. support cost-effective
based approach is necessary because it is not pos- Such integration will also benefit Europe in the and proactive flood
sible to forecast exactly when and where a quake face of global hazards such as tsunamis and solar defences.
will occur; greater awareness of the science that storms; infrastructure that enables global research
Right The SHARE
determines the risk among governments and public will aid understanding of these hazards.
map shows regions of
authorities, as well as among the general public, will Better understanding of natural hazards such as increased seismic hazard
make societies safer. catastrophic storms and floods will also improve in red and brown. A pan-
resilience in the future. These events and their European approach to
BETTER RESILIENCE effects on human society are shaped by the land- geohazard risks supports
Volcanic eruptions have been part of the history scape, which in turn is shaped by the surface effective planning and
of Europe; they will be part of its future, too. More dynamics of the Earth and by human activities regulation in all nations.
than two million people live close enough to Vesu- such as construction, urbanization and industry.
vius to be at risk in an eruption; plumes of ash can Earth science can examine and monitor these inter-
disrupt international air travel, as happened from actions and assess how a changing climate will
Eyjafjallajökull in 2010. Careful observation and affect the risks they pose to society. ●
E A R T H S C I E N C E E U R O P E 11LIVING ON PLANET EARTH Water power Water is a valuable resource, for society, for industry and, as here in Hamburg, a valuable civic amenity. A secure supply is a priority for Europe’s increasingly urban society. 12 E A R T H S C I E N C E E U R O P E
● Safe, clean water supplies rely on ● Understanding how mineral deposits ● Future water and energy security
knowledge and understanding of the form will help to find new sources of depends on a solid understanding of
Earth’s near-surface cycles economically important minerals Earth science across Europe
Successful societies need resources: in the atmosphere; understanding them is part of
managing global change.
water, energy and raw materials.
Understanding the movements of elements
Earth science is the foundation of the between the deep Earth and the surface is a major
exploration and responsible use of step towards finding new mineral resources. New
technologies need rare-earth and platinum-group
Europe’s natural resources.
elements, for example, elements not considered in
E
urope has abundant natural resources. Yet a traditional models of ore formation; a new research
populous continent puts increasing demands effort to understand how they are concentrated by
on living space, water and energy supply, as geological processes will reveal new resources for
well as mineral resources. And new technologies Europe, benefiting current and future industry.
require secure supplies of new groups of resources;
advances in healthcare demand new ENERGY FOR ALL
biomedical resources derived from Society and industry need energy; reliable sup-
subsurface microbes, for example. plies will demand a mix of sources includ- Above An ICDP drill ship
Earth science underpins the sup- ing geothermal and other renewables at work in the Dead Sea. GOING DEEPER FOR RESEARCH
ply of resources; it determines alongside fossil fuels and nuclear Both cores of rock and
how best to exploit them energy in the coming decades. the records of fluid flow Borehole drilling is a powerful research tool. The
responsibly and to manage Europe needs Earth science and composition are European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling
waste responsibly. It also to find, develop and exploit valuable for exploring (ECORD) coordinates seafloor drilling across Europe
the subsurface and the
helps to control the effects new sources of energy with the global International Ocean Discovery
minerals and even life-
of society as a geological and the energy tech- forms it holds.
Program (IODP). Drilling on land is organized via the
force; human activities such nologies that will International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP).
as farming, mining and power the future. Left Stibnite, the main The data from these programmes help scientists
urbanization increasingly Sa fe ha nd l i ng of ore mineral of antimony, to understand the evolution of Europe in a global
change our planet. waste, to minimize is among the minerals context. Scientific links and technological synergies
Understanding the sur- environmental impact, is that are driving new between ocean and continental drilling have built
technological industries.
face and subsurface is part of the global energy chal- a strong research community; further integration
Discoveries of new
the key to discovering lenge; radioactive waste especially mineral resources within
across Europe will boost research capabilities.
and managing resources needs safe storage over geological Europe will support Commercial drilling is important in the hydro-
such as water. Research timescales. Sequestration of carbon diox- industrial success in the carbons industry; research drilling complements
drilling allows investigation ide may prove to be part of the balance between future. their work, but also provides more complete data
of this near-surface region, including fossil fuel use and climate protection. coverage. In addition, it provides the information
unusual and potentially valuable microbes. Sedi- All these issues gain importance in the face of needed for governments and the public to ensure
ment records from boreholes are a treasure trove growing human activities and population. A society fair, responsible and safe exploitation of the raw
of information about past climates. Chemical that is secure in its energy supply, with ample water materials Europe needs.
exchanges between atmosphere, seas, rivers and resources and access to natural resources to drive WWW.ECORD.ORG | WWW.IODP.ORG | WWW.ICDP.ORG
rocks drive or limit greenhouse gas accumulation new industry, relies on Earth science. ●
E A R T H S C I E N C E E U R O P E 13DRIVING EU ROPE AN G ROW TH
The Glasgow Science
Centre is on a site that
was once a cargo port
and offers a model for
urban redevelopment
elsewhere. Research
into the local subsurface
suggests that there is
enough ground-source
heat to provide Glasgow
with low-carbon energy
for at least 100 years.
14 E A R T H S C I E N C E E U R O P E● Earth science is needed to discover the ● A secure and diverse energy supply ● Active research produces innovative
raw materials to drive economic growth, demands Earth-science expertise to instruments and methods that drive new
and to manage their safe exploitation develop sustainable new resources technological industries
It takes Earth science to find the raw
GOING WITH THE
materials, water and energy resources SUBSURFACE FLOW
that build economic prosperity,
Much of the energy sector depends on
support Europe’s industries and monitoring and understanding processes in the
promote innovative technologies. subsurface: extraction of coal, oil, gas and shale
gas, carbon capture and storage, nuclear waste
storage and geothermal energy. Low-carbon
E
urope is a diverse continent, geologically, options for energy supply, carbon capture and
industrially and socially. In order to harness storage schemes in particular, rely on long-term
Earth science for growth, we need coordi- management of subsurface processes to keep
nated international research to underpin the dis- greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere.
covery and development of natural resources and All these energy supply options depend on
promote sustainable industries, cities and societies. new research infrastructure allowing sustained
Economic prosperity depends fundamentally on While Europe has established sources of oil Above Whether it is monitoring on human timescales. This will act as
natural resources. Accessible integrated Earth- and gas, for example, our future use of them in a building stone, stone for a bridge between research and application in the
decoration, aggregate
science data across Europe will allow efficient use crowded continent demands public support. Inte- energy sector and build connections between
for construction, or
of known resources and pinpoint new sources. Con- grated European resource-mapping will support research and industry. It will include EPOS and
minerals and ores for
struction, whether of housing, transport or indus- political decision-making. Earth-science research new technologies, the European Carbon Dioxide Capture and
trial infrastructure, relies on Earth science for the can also support safe treatment of waste and effec- quarrying provides the Storage Laboratory Infrastructure (ECCSEL),
necessary minerals, aggregates and hydrocarbons. tive restoration of the landscape, promoting sustain- raw materials that drive for example, together with in situ monitoring
And it is Earth science that provides the tools for able mining and quarrying. growth. including deep boreholes, combined with satellite
ensuring safe and responsible extraction, through Fossil fuels will continue to be part of Europe’s measurements. WWW.ECCSEL.ORG
Right Carbon
site-specific or remote monitoring and regulation. energy mix in the coming decades. Schemes
capture and storage
Many of the tools now used for assessment of the to isolate the resulting greenhouse gas carbon underground. About a
environmental impact of a quarry or mine are also dioxide from the atmosphere use Earth-science million tonnes of CO2 is
used for site investigation ahead of construction techniques. Earth science also underpins other pumped into rock every
projects. Increasingly, geophysical and remote- elements of a mixed-energy economy: radioactive year at the Sleipner East
sensing methods are reducing the cost and increas- waste storage and raw materials essential for cur- field beneath the North
ing the effectiveness of subsurface investigation. rent and future renewable energy technologies, Sea, using CO2 capture
technology developed
including thermal reservoirs.
as part of the gas field
SAFE INFRASTRUCTURE Development of a common research infrastruc- development.
The risk from geohazards is an important element ture will bring innovations that will readily trans-
of decision-making about the location and design fer to industry. Earth scientists are already using
of vital infrastructure: transport, power generation, facilities such as the European Synchrotron particle
information transfer. Both the insurance industry accelerator to solve Earth-science problems; these
and those seeking protection for their assets would technologies and the skilled people who use them
benefit from an integrated Earth-science approach. will boost business in Europe. ●
E A R T H S C I E N C E E U R O P E 15INSPIRATION AND INFORMATION Look closely Earth scientists gain technical skills, innovation, and a problem-solving approach – attributes that benefit industry and business, too. 16 E A R T H S C I E N C E E U R O P E
● Better international and multidisciplinary ● Inspirational Earth-science research will ● Targeted Earth-science information for
links within Earth science will build a raise the profile of Earth science and the public and professions will inform
skilled and flexible workforce draw young people into science decision-making in society as a whole
A unified voice for Earth science in
COMMUNICATING RISK
Europe will inspire the next generation
of scientists and clarify communication Education and public outreach is a growing field
for many researchers. But in Earth sciences (and
with European-level decision makers environmental sciences in general) it is important
– and foster a technically skilled to distinguish between communicating science
workforce. and communicating risk. Communicating the
risk to society from geohazards requires a
E
urope has a strong research culture. Suc- clear understanding of the resilience of local
cessful research inspires people of all ages, communities as well as an appreciation of
encouraging the next generation of scientists how individuals assimilate and apply scientific
and helping a scientifically literate public to use information about risk and personal exposure.
Earth science to better their lives. European Earth Risk communication does not involve the
scientists – working together, making Earth science scientific community alone – different roles are
accessible, speaking with one voice – will provide needed in order to develop effective strategies in
accessible, relevant information to promote our sub- the light of these complex ethical issues. Cross-
ject and support business, industry and education. encourages people to choose Earth science as a Above Getting their disciplinary collaboration is required to tackle
Integrated European programmes will help estab- hobby, boosting scientific literacy in society. hands on the past – here the challenge of helping local communities and
a dinosaur bone – can
lish research centres in nations without a tradi- All nations in Europe face difficult decisions in individuals in making their own behavioural
inspire children to think
tion of Earth-science excellence, bringing greater order to maintain the safety and prosperity of their choices as well as supporting policymakers to
about the future. These
mobility for research staff. A lively and successful citizens; resources, geohazards and energy sup- could be the Earth manage prevention and emergency planning.
research culture brings innovative ideas that spread ply are all under pressure. A higher level of Earth- scientists of the 2020s.
into new technological industries. And a strong science knowledge among authorities, educators,
research community brings technically skilled business and public officials will lead to more effec- Right Earthquakes
people to work in careers that support society, in tive governance. Understanding history, including destroy lives and
livelihoods. Individuals
industry, public safety and education. the history of our planet, will inform decisions
and policymakers need
regarding our future. Better training for profession- information that they
THE FUTURE GENERATION als will support individuals in their careers while can use in order to make
Our planet and its history inspires and intrigues boosting the role of Earth science in public life. effective choices about
people, especially the young – the next generation Earth scientists, working together in research the risk from natural
that is essential for a thriving research community across Europe, have the authority that a safe and hazards.
in the future. Finding fossils and minerals shows prosperous Europe needs. We can inspire and edu-
children that they can make discoveries. But it cate the Europeans of the future. Speaking with
is important to demonstrate that Earth science one voice, we can provide an accessible, integrated
involves much more than collecting rocks. Acces- source of Earth-science information across Europe
sible Earth-science information, reflecting a thriv- that will benefit science and society alike through
ing European research community, can inspire more effective transmission of necessary Earth-
young people to choose scientific careers; it also science information to those who need to know. ●
E A R T H S C I E N C E E U R O P E 17TH E N E X T STE PS Ultimate Earth The OneGeology dynamic digital map project is an example of good practice in global spatial data infrastructure, recognized by GEO, UNESCO, IUGS and ICSU. 18 E A R T H S C I E N C E E U R O P E
Earth science in Europe needs strategic decision-making, integrated research infrastructure and a
strong voice, to address research and societal challenges and drive prosperity through innovation.
E
arth scientists need a unified, authoritative
voice to enhance the status and impact of
Earth science across Europe. The first step
is to establish Earth Science Europe as a coher-
ent coordinating framework for the Earth-science
community. Then comes a robust research infra-
structure to deliver strategic goals, enabling inspi-
rational research and promoting solutions to societal
challenges.
INTEGRATING RESEARCH
Earth Science Europe will develop strategic
research capacity through a roadmap addressing
fundamental and societal challenges. This will
build on science challenges of national research
programmes and to deliver the Horizon 2020 pro-
gramme.
BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE ● Develop and share inspirational outreach for Big data Advances in
This collaborative approach demands the renewal young people, our future scientists. seismic imaging and 3D EUROPE 2020, HORIZON 2020
and growth of research infrastructure, shaped ● Promote and monitor gender balance in subsurface modelling
The European Union’s strategy
technology provide new
around national, pan-European and cross-discipli- research teams and decision-making. Europe 2020 identifies smart,
insights into subsurface
nary collaborations. energy resources. Similar
sustainable and inclusive growth as
● Establish common standards for data and DRIVING INNOVATION techniques make it a key goal over the next decade. Horizon 2020
sample storage and exchange. Modern sensors allied to advanced research meth- easier to examine large explicitly aims to secure these goals and Europe’s
● Develop new shared ways of working that ods will give a new and detailed picture of Europe’s datasets from diverse global competitiveness through funding research
provide new discoveries and boost innovation. geology and, aligned with other environmental sur- sources and to share in key areas. The Horizon 2020 objectives are
● Make international shared facilities the norm, veys, will transform geological and environmen- knowledge and expertise a good fit for Earth-science priorities, including
from varied fields –
for efficiency and to promote exchange of ideas. tal understanding – providing the capability to data infrastructure, energy and climate, as well as
boosting innovation
visualize and model aspects of our Earth in many across Europe.
an emphasis on strengthening the links between
SHARING INFORMATION dimensions. science and society. In turn, Horizon 2020 will
Earth Science Europe will bring a stronger, more This new integrated geological understanding of support the development of a more equal,
connected community that looks outwards, engag- Europe will enable better global understanding of gender-balanced scientific community. Horizon
ing with stakeholders across society and speaking geohazards, georesources and environmental secu- 2020 offers an opportunity to establish Earth
together, with authority. rity. These are the essential steps needed for Earth science as the bedrock of European prosperity in
● Work more closely with stakeholders. science to support the secure, prosperous European the decades to come.
● Boost public understanding of Earth science, society of the future. EC.EUROPA.EU/PROGRAMMES/HORIZON2020
especially resource management and geohazards. WWW.EARTHSCIENCEEUROPE.ORG
E A R T H S C I E N C E E U R O P E 19“ PEOPLE LIKE TO DREAM about the origin of the Earth, the universe and life itself
PEOPLE NEED TO BE SAFE from natural hazards, especially catastrophic events
PEOPLE WANT TO BE COMFORTABLE , to have a secure supply of energy, water and raw materials
EARTH -SCIENCE RESEARCH helps underpin all of this
”
THE EARTH SCIENCE EUROPE COMMUNITY MISSION:
“ To make new discoveries and inspiration to better understand the history
and internal dynamics of our planet, and to provide society with data,
manage knowledge better and live more wisely on our planet
”
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