EUROPEAN PROGRAMME OF RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE INTEGRATION FOR EARTH SCIENCES – THE EUROPEAN PLATE OBSERVING SYSTEM (EPOS)

Abstract

The European Plate Observing System (EPOS) within the programme of research infrastructure integration makes multidisciplinary research possible for a better understanding of the physical and geological processes controlling different geohazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis, as well as those driving tectonics and Earth surface dynamics and those important for the exploration of the Earth’s resources. The thematic areas of seismology and geodetic GNSS observations have a leading role in the programme, and volcanic and geomagnetic observations and near-fault observatories are also included. Additional services are provided by the thematic areas of satellite data, geological information and modelling, and multi-scale laboratories. Anthropogenic hazards and geo-energy test beds for low carbon energy are also included. The emphasis is on a multidisciplinary approach, the integration of different scientific fields, and open source data. Slovenia early recognized the priority of geosciences in the development of research infrastructure, and collaborates in the EPOS programme in many relevant areas through the EPOS-SI consortium.