Chairman, IUGS-UNESCO Geological Applications of Remote Sensing Programme

& Co-Chairman, Integrated Global Observing Strategy for Geohazards

Integrating the Solid Earth Observing Community

Stuart Marsh

Head of Remote Sensing

British Geological Survey

Outline

Global Earth Observing initiatives

Where do geology/geophysics fit?

A Solid Earth Observing System?

Outline

Global Earth Observing initiatives

Where do geology/geophysics fit?

A Solid Earth Observing System?

A partnership of international organizations, working to define, develop and implement an integrated global earth observing strategy on the basis of best effort and a shared interest

WMO

Global observing systems

International science and research programmes

Space agenciesUN organizations

Key differences between IGOS and GEO/GEOSSIGOS is an inter-agency cooperation to develop strategies

GEO is an inter-governmental mechanism to deliver systems

What should GEO/GEOSS bring that IGOS cannot?Political engagement

Additional resources

Some challenges facing GEO… and potential partnersDelivering quick wins in order to maintain the political interest

Avoiding wheel reinvention by incorporating existing initiatives

GEO – building on IGOS

Outline

Global Earth Observing initiatives

Where do geology/geophysics fit?

A Solid Earth Observing System?

IGOS Geohazard Theme: Report & Implementation

Published by ESA in April 2004

Implemented under IGOS Geohazards Executive Bureau

Available from the Bureau Coordinator:

s.hosford@brgm.fr

Available online at:www.igosgeohazards.org

Theme Sponsors in IGOS

UNESCO, ESA and ICSU needed to find a home in the IGOS Partnership for a Geohazard Theme with in-situ and space-based geohazard communities

Usually, Theme implementation is carried forward by one of the Global Observing Systems in IGOS

None of the existing observing systems include the main ground based geohazards community– GTOS is focused on ecology, agriculture, forestry etc.

New mechanism acceptable to IGOS was required

IGOS Partners required existing mechanism that:– includes representatives of the geohazards community

– can be modified to include space-based organisations

The Theme Team’s proposed mechanism was the “Geological Applications of Remote Sensing” Programme funded by UNESCO, IUGS & BGS

This solution was accepted by the IGOS Partners and UNESCO and IUGS gave a mandate to modify GARS to help IGOS Geohazard implementation by:– adding space agency participants (ESA and JAXA)– adding representatives of disaster response agencies

Theme Sponsors in IGOS

IGOS and GGOS: the Global Geodetic Observing System

GGOS proposes to join IGOS Partnership and develop an “Earth System Dynamics” Theme

GARS’ view on three GGOS recommendations:

– GGOS join the Partnership as an observing system Consider during 2005 for a decision in November

– GGOS make links with appropriate existing ThemesExtend Geohazard link via Theme Leader Meetings

– GGOS develop an “Earth System Dynamics” Theme

? Consult Theme Leaders; await November decision

Outline

Global Earth Observing initiatives

Where do geology/geophysics fit?

A Solid Earth Observing System?

Framework document has 9 Societal Benefit Areas– Reducing losses from disasters

– Environmental effects on human health

– Management of energy resources

– Climate change

– Water resource management

– Weather

– Terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems

– Sustainable agriculture and desertification

– Biodiversity

Where do Geohazards fit?

W

Wild firesEarthquakes

Volcanoes, Volcanic ash and

aerosols

Sea and lake ice

Coastal hazards and Tsunamis

Landslides and subsidence Floods

Tropical cyclones

Extreme weather

Pollution events

Hazards considered as Disasters in GEOSS

Elsewhere: disease, drought, algal blooms and invasive species

Geoscience & GEOSS TargetsIGOS Geohazard Theme supports targets…

T2. Global access to SRTM data

T4. Focused pilot studies in under-served areas

T7. Integration of InSAR technology

T8. Inventory of geologic and hazard zonation maps

IRIS/GSN/FDSN scientists support targets…T3. Expansion of seismic monitoring network

T91. Baseline sites for global in-situ networks

Current opportunity: define 2006 actions against targets

Outline

Global Earth Observing initiatives

Where do geology/geophysics fit?

A Solid Earth Observing System?

A strong voice for Geoscience?

Other domains have global observing systems:

Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)

Global Climate Observing System (GCOS)

Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS)

There is no Global Solid Earth Observing System

If we had one, would it be easier to:– Implement the multi-hazard IGOS Geohazards Theme?

– Integrate an individual observing system into GEOSS?

– Develop a strong voice for geoscience internationally?

Required Observations Solid Earth Observing System: 4 main

observations

Baseline Topography– Against which to measure change– For modelling and visualisation

Baseline Maps and Models– Geology, structure, soils– Regional to local scale

Deformation Monitoring– Sudden change– Gradual processes

Seismic Monitoring– Hazard magnitude– Depth and location

Topographic models:– Stereoscopy, InSAR and LiDAR– Ground-based surveying tools

Geoscience surveying:– Aerial photography and field work– In-situ, airborne & spaceborne EO

Deformation measured by:– Differential InSAR and GPS– Various in-situ measurements

Seismicity measured by:– Global networks of seismometers– Local networks for specific hazards

Each hazard (e.g. volcanos) needs other observations (e.g. thermal)

Coherent messages

An organised community

A self-organising community?

Coherent messages?

Solid Earth Observing System?

Coherent messages

What should we do about it?

Look outside disciplines to consider multi-hazards

e.g. IGOS Geohazard Theme can provide a vehicle

Support each others interaction with GEO/GEOSS

e.g. In addition to own Targets, advocate each others

Use positions in initiatives to promote geoscience

e.g. GARS is supporting GGOS in its push to join IGOS

In longer term, can we begin to self-organise?