Transform2

Near Fault Observatories (NFO) are natural laboratories undergoing active, and complex geophysical processes at, or in proximity to, densely populated urban areas. NFOs bound relatively small areas and are ideal sites for in-depth monitoring and advanced research. Six NFOs in Europe have been identified by the European Plate Observing System as long-term Research Infrastructures (including the Valais in Switzerland); three additional NFOs are in observer status. NFOs target the enhanced understanding of the mechanics of earthquakes to unravel the anatomy of complex seismogenic faults. This can only be achieved by the acquisition of continuous, long-term, high-resolution, high-quality, and high-density multidisciplinary data, and the application of consistent, high quality and state-of-the-art data processing. TRANSFORM² has the ambitious goal of improving and transforming the existing NFOs, by integrating cutting-edge methodological and technological solutions, paving the road for the next generation NFOs across Europe. This will be achieved through the development of four ‘concepts’:

1. Innovative sensors - new generation of sensors in basic and applied research related to earthquake processes;
2. Elevated detectability - novel automatic workflow for enhanced detectability and characterization of earthquakes;
3. Early warning - new platforms for supporting decision-makers during earthquake alerts;
4. Test-bed - next generation of accessibility for testing and development of new cutting-edge sensors and algorithms.

A focus will be on bringing transformative concepts such as Machine Learning and fiber optic cable sensing to the NFO community. Breakthrough ideas will be explored and addressed with focus on analytical and feasibility control detecting weaknesses and missing elements that will be resolved within the project. Awareness and engagement of stakeholders as well as societal needs will be a priority. Issues concerning NFO funding and sustainability will be addressed.