Natural and anthropomorphic phenomena that result in motions and deformations of the Earth’s surface are being monitored at unprecedented scales and precisions. These studies provide fundamental new constraints for a better understanding of geologic processes and resulting hazards associated with the dynamics of plate motions, continental deformation and global effects. Main topics of research are the seasonal distribution of surface loading, the earthquake cycle, volcanic processes (eruptions, dike intrusions, induced seismic activity), near surface motions (landslides, induced and natural surficial subsidence/collapse), and sea level changes, as well as monitoring atmospheric and ionospheric processes with applications to space weather and climate.
For the past 30 years, the WEGENER project of IAG (International Association of Geodesy) has served as a forum to encourage, coordinate, and provide international linkages for multidisciplinary projects that are centered on geodetic monitoring of the Earth system. The resulting improved understanding of these phenomena is providing a physical basis to mitigate their impact on human society. WEGENER activities are particularly critical at this time as the GEO (Group on Earth Observations), a voluntary partnership of 80 Governments and 58 Participating Organizations, among which IAG, is coordinating efforts to establish a sustained GEOSS (Global Earth Observation System of Systems) with the aim to confront these and other hazards.
In this session we seek contributions that emphasize multidisciplinary studies of natural and human-induced hazards using geodetic techniques (GPS, InSAR, LiDAR, space/air/terrestrial gravity, ground-based geodetic observations), complementary geologic and geophysical observations, and modeling approaches. Fundamental studies of natural and induced physical phenomena, strategies to develop early warning and rapid response systems, and education and development programs are welcome.