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2007 International Geohazards Week

05-Sep - 09-Sep 2007

ESA/ESRIN, Frascati, Italy

The European Space Agency hosted the 2007 International Geohazards Week in ESRIN, Frascati (Italy) on 5-9 November 2007. The event was part of the United Nations International Year of Planet Earth (2007-2009), to increase awareness of the importance of Earth sciences for the advancement of sustainable development.

Participants were able to attend the following:

  • The 3rd International Geohazards Workshop, organised by the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and the IGOS Geohazards, 6-9 November 2007
  • The Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) Workshop, the GGOS Contribution to GEOSS and an Observing System for Geohazards and Disaster Prevention, 5-6 November 2007
  • User Workshops of ESA geohazards projects (GlobVolcano and Terrafirma) were also organised during the International Geohazards week, 5-6 November 2007

3rd International Geohazards Workshop

Understanding our environment is a prerequisite for reducing the vulnerability of our societies and the risk of natural disasters. Earth observations are crucial for improved knowledge of hazards, risks and potential disasters as a basis for efficient decision making, better mitigation, and preparedness for disasters.

The 3rd International Geohazards Workshop aimed to strengthen the emerging international strategy for disaster mitigation and prevention for the benefit of those exposed to geohazards, namely earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and tsunamis.

Objectives

The objectives of the 3rd International Geohazards Workshop were to:

  • Stimulate dedicated coordination actions to:
    • Improve the in-situ, airborne and spaceborne components of the existing observation systems
    • Facilitate the transition of the existing monitoring capabilities from research to operational services
    • Foster easier and faster access to data
    • Support mutual exchange of knowledge with countries that are most exposed to geohazards
  • Set up an international coordination mechanism, within GEO, to streamline cooperation and explore synergies between international projects, initiatives and programs.
  • Provide a forum for exchange and encourage cooperation between Geohazards Earth Observation data users and producers.

2007 Global Geodetic Observing System Workshop

The Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) is coordinating the geodetic support for the Earth sciences. Building upon the work of the IAG Services, GGOS provides the geodetic infrastructure necessary to support the monitoring of the Earth system and global change research. It is integrating the three pillars of geodesy, which is geometry and kinematics, Earth orientation and rotation, and gravity field and dynamics, in order to maximise the benefit for the scientific community and society in general.

With the global geodetic reference frames and observations of the variations in the Earth's shape, gravity field, and rotation, GGOS provides fundamental contributions to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). In a detailed strategy process, GGOS was developing the plan for a geodetic observing system that will meet future requirements not only of GEOSS but also of science and society in general.

Objectives

To a large extent, the Workshop was based on the results of the strategy process and discussed steps towards the implementation of the recommendations given in the strategy report.

The 2007 GGOS Workshop was integrated into the International Geohazards Week 2007. The GGOS Workshop was intended as an outreach activity of GGOS to both the space agencies and users. The Workshop discussed the current and future contributions of GGOS to Earth observations and, in particular, an observing system for geohazards applications. The Workshop was organised to help facilitate the communication between scientific user communities and those who will provide the geodetic products. Therefore, the Workshop was organised in conjunction with the Third International Geohazards Workshop, organised by the IGOS-P Geohazards Theme, which took place after the GGOS Workshop.

More information available on the 2007 GGOS Workshop website.

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