Risk maps for natural hazards in Germany

• Unique database with web interface on the main natural hazards in Germany ·        Hazard, vulnerability and risk values for winter storms as the 50 -, 100 -, and 500-year event in Germany at the municipal level
  
  
• Hazard, vulnerability and risk values for earthquakes as the 475-year event in Germany at the municipal level
  
  
• Risk values (as the expected loss of housing) for 200 - and 500-year flood events of the Rhine in Germany at the municipal level
  
  
• Interactive query on municipality level according to postcode or name of the municipality
  
  
• Delivery of the complete dataset in CSV format (tabular Excel file)

• Detailed description
  
  
• Interactive Web portal "RiskExplorer" about natural hazards in Germany

Earthquakes and earthquake hazard in Germany and in the European context

• Maps of peak ground acceleration and spectral accelerations available

• Threat level: 90% probability in 50 years for the Europe Mediterranean region, as well as different levels of risk for hazard maps of Germany
  
  
• Submission of data as, for example, colour-coded raster image with a resolution of 600 dpi and an equal azimutal projection (GeoTiff file format)
  
  
• Detailed description and publication about the research as a GFZ scientific technical report

Fluid monitoring (FluMo) to reduce outages and errors during operatio.

We introduce a newly developed system for the measurement of chemical and physical fluid properties in real time.

Areas of application

FluMo enables the online recording of physico-chemical fluid parameters at several pick-up points along the main cable of an above-ground geothermal system.

Technology potential

• Flow device with sensors for the measurement of pressure, temperature, flow rate, density, pH value, the redox potential and the oxygen content
• Process temperature and pressure up to 150 °C or 15 bar
• Fluid sampling under in-situ conditions for chemical analysis
• Acquisition of quantitative statements about fixed material precipitation, corrosion processes, or oxygen entries during operation

Current development status

• Prototypical system with high development potential
• Functionality tested successfully in the Groß Schönebeck research bore site under operating conditions

Offer

• GFZ as research partner in geothermal projects
• Evaluation of measurement technology and sensors under operating conditions
• Technical experimental consultation for research and industry

Competence cluster fluids at the GFZ - technology and process expertise

Warning of seismic activity such as earthquakes in near real time

We offer an innovative concept and the technical implementation of an earthquake early warning system and information network. Based on the "smart grid" concept, the system consists of affordable separate sensors that operate independently and issue warnings. The sensors are networked via Wi-Fi and communicate independently with each other. The analysis of the measurements is decentralized; the network reorganizes itself in the event that individual nodes fail and remains operational.

Areas of application

• The monitoring of seismic activities in urban and rural areas
• Integration of the system into existing information networks
• Extension and adaptation of the system for the monitoring of static properties and instability of buildings and bridges (in development)

Technology potential

• Standard sensor nodes as a self-sufficient system with CPU (WRAP board), Wi-Fi, flash cards, analogue/digital converter and GPS system for time keeping and positioning
• Expandable as a base for a multi-sensor node with additional sensors for the measurement of physical parameters
• Analysis, evaluation and visualization software of the P and S seismic waves customizable for new applications

Current development status

• Prototype system repeatedly and successfully in use
• Installation and commissioning of a network for early seismic warnings in Istanbul
• Additional installation and measurements on bridges in Potsdam (Lange Brücke) and Istanbul with 24 single nodes (Fatih Sultan Achmet bridge for the determination of individual frequencies and vibration characteristics of the bridge)
• Total system is in-house development of the GFZ in close collaboration with the Department of Computer Science[NP1]  at the Humboldt University of Berlin

In-situ measurement and chemical sampling of gases in deep drill holes using a gas membrane sensor system

We provide a process and a tool for the real-time measurement and sampling of dissolved gases in deep, water-filled holes or wells. The patented technology has a relatively simple structure and has no electronic components. This makes use in saline groundwater and formation providers possible. The probe has been in continuous use since June 2008.

Areas of application

The gas membrane sensor system is generally suitable for the detection of gases like hydrogen, helium, methane, nitrogen, oxygen, krypton and carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds.

Technology potential

• In-situ measurement of gases in real time
• Patented process for drilling depths from 50 to 2,000 metres
• No electronic components

Current development status

• Probe and procedures have proven themselves in multiple field trials
• The GFZ development workshop produced the probe as a prototype

Our Offer

• GFZ as subcontractor in comparable projects
• Service providers for measurement of gases sought
• Manufacturing companies for the probe sought

Measurement with DTS sensor cable and electronic probes during the injection and mining in boreholes

A novel hybrid measuring system was developed at the GFZ. It enables combined measurements with electronic sensors and fibre optic sensors in deep boreholes. Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) along the entire measurement cable enables the continuous measurement of the temperature distribution along the entire cable. The probe head measures pressure, temperature and flow rate. Moreover, the probe head has an integrated gamma-ray detector and a casing-collar locator for depth correlation.

The overall system consists of a borehole measuring winch, special borehole measuring cables (up to 6000 m in length) and cable heads, fibre-optic and electronic sensors, as well as the evaluation software.

Areas of application

• At depths with temperatures of up to 150 °C and at pressures of more than 500 bar 
• In fluids with high salinity

Technology potential

• High temperature stability in the measurement and data transmission
• Expandable with additional optical and electronic sensors
• High-temperature applications in fibre-optic based components (currently up to 300 degrees Celsius)
• Current development status
• Successful field trials of the system in the Groß Schönebeck research bore site 
• Prototypical system with high development potential
• Provided integration of additional fibre-optic sensors
• Special system components produced in the GFZ development workshop

Our Offer

• Usage of the system for measuring campaigns in drilling projects
• Cooperation with partners from research and industry