Inhaltsbereich
Geoengineering Centres
Understanding the many different processes that occur within the Earth and at its surface is not the only goal of geoscientific research into the Earth system. One of the tasks of the GFZ is also to transfer the resulting scientific knowledge into corresponding technologies. The applications are many and varied. They range from the use of underground spaces, over the securing of georesources to reducing the risk associated with natural disasters. Since the topics of our four geoengineering centers are interdisciplinary, specialists from the various sections of the GFZ work in them together with external scientists and colleagues from industrial partners.
Centre for Geological Storage
The focus of the research at the Center for Geological Storage is directed to the question of whether carbon dioxide can be stored safely underground over the longterm. Such storage is increasingly being considered as an option for reducing the emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere. We test and develop new technologies to monitor storage in porous rocks deep underground, and investigate the interactions that take place between rocks and fluids. In cooperation with national and international colleagues, we are operating the first European continental field laboratory for CO2 storage near the town of Ketzin in Brandenburg.
International Centre for Geothermal Research IGC
The use of geothermal energy becomes an important issue of future energy supply within strategies for the mitigation of climate changes. The International Center for Geothermal Research (ICGR) meets this challenge by developing reliable geothermal technologies and innovative concepts of a sustainable economic energy supply.
Centre for Early Warning
The aim of the Centre for Early Warning is to develop and implement methodologies for early warning of various natural hazards (earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides). Of particular interest is the feasibility of alarm systems that accommodate multi-risk aspects of natural disasters.