Open access to Dutch Earth scientific research labs and data through EPOS-NL

Top research into the geo-societal challenges of our densely populated planet requires optimized use of available research data, facilities, and funds. Such optimization is the main aim of the European Plate Observing System – Netherlands (EPOS-NL): the Dutch research infrastructure for solid Earth sciences. EPOS-NL provides free of charge, (inter)national access to a unique cluster of large-scale, geophysical labs and data centers at Utrecht University (UU), Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). Lab access can be requested by applying to one of our biannual calls. EPOS-NL labs that can be accessed include A) The Earth Simulation Laboratory at UU and the Petrophysics laboratory at TU Delft, where experimental rock physics and analogue modelling studies can be performed on the fundamental processes that govern the deformation and transport behavior of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle; and B) The Multi-scale Imaging and Tomography (MINT) facilities, distributed over UU and TU Delft. MINT provides unprecedented capabilities in 2D and 3D imaging and microchemical and crystallographic mapping, down to a resolution of several nanometers. EPOS-NL further works with data centers, researchers and industry to improve open access to essential Earth scientific data and models. These include key data relating to the seismogenic Groningen gas field in the Netherlands, notably Distributed Strain Sensing data of the gas reservoir, a Petrel geological reservoir model, developed by the field operator NAM (Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij), and a vast amount of seismological data maintained by the ORFEUS Data Centre. Access is provided in the framework of the European infrastructure EPOS, cf. FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) data principles. In that way, EPOS-NL contributes to shared and cost-effective research into the geo-societal challenges faced by our densely populated planet. See www.EPOS-NL.nl for more information.