TCS-Anthropogenic Hazards 2025 Annual-Round Up in Strasbourg, France

This year the annual Thematic Core Service Anthropogenic Hazards (TCS-AH) Consortium Board meeting took place on November 24-26 in France alongside a successful TCS AH Symposium. Hosted by The School and Observatory of Earth Sciences (EOST), Université de Strasbourg, the events gathered attendees to review developments within the consortium and in worldwide human-induced geohazard research.

The Consortium Board meeting included TCS-AH members and technical section leaders. Welcomed by the chair Gilberto Saccorotti, the director, Ania Lesnodorska, started the meeting with a report on most important activities in 2025. Alongside, section and EPISODES Platform reports for 2025, open discussions and presentations took place focusing on the most important and interesting TCS AH activities in 2025 presented by the CB members. The meeting highlighted important developments of the EPISODES platform and associated infrastructures including:

• 3 new EPISODES in the framework of the Geo-INQUIRE project. One of these STIMTEC, a fluid injection experiment complements the existing multi-scale GFZ laboratory experiment episodes and brings the total EPISODES available to 48.
• New applications related to the DT-GEO project for example seismic hazard forecasting which makes 83 services now available
• Increased internationalisation efforts with Spanish language integration
• A new data node at the LULEA University of Technology
• EPOS data portal (ICS-C) integration developments of the EPISODES platform
• A Digital Twin Component for Anthropogenic Geophysical Extremes Forecasting (DTC-AGEF) created in the framework of DT-GEO project. AGEF4 – Induced Seismic Hazard Map Workflow – a full pipeline of seismic hazard assessment – from seismic data detection and source parametrization to the ground motion prediction – in the form of reproducible workflows
• The integration of new borehole information under the framework of the geo-INQUIRE project

Other highlights include strategic developments in building partnerships with the pan European projects ENCITE and EARTH AID; key global promotion and dissemination events including the RaSiM 11 Conference, 10th Oulu Mining Summit, Workshop on the EPISODES Platform" at the China University of Mining and Technology in Beijing and increasing efforts across the member institutions to integrate anthropogenic geohazard teaching and EPISODES platform use in higher education curricula.

The symposium, with over 30 in-person attendees, took place at the European Doctoral College (CDE) of the University of Strasbourg and focused on an interdisciplinary discussion on research developments in human-induced geohazards. The day was split into 4 sections with 16 presentations covering:

1. Advances in seismic monitoring: Deep Borehole Sensor as a high-resolution seismic generator by Rachit Gautam; The monitoring of deep geothermal reservoir using ambient seismic noise, Flavien Mattern; Micro-seismic repeaters in deep mines talk by Mariano Arnaiz; Low-cost seismic networks in urban areas by Riccardo Minetto and Analysis of DAS data in borehole CCS monitoring by Gilberto Saccorotti.
2. Rock mechanics and fault dynamics: Rock mechanics for energy transition by Anne Pluymakers; Fracture reopening and pressure propagation in deformable faults by Kamal Ahmadov and Induced seismicity below the host city of Strasbourg, Jean Schmittbuhl.
3. Case studies and frameworks: Intermittent induced seismicity during the multiyear operation of a geothermal reservoir by Oliver Lengliné; Deciphering induced seismicity from Daniel Amorese; The FORGE Project, Vanille Ritz; The traffic light protocols in Italy by Thomas Braun and Induced seismicity controlled by injected hydraulic energy, Jean Schmittbuhl.
4. Citizen science and data centres: The Sismo-Citoyen project from Antoine Schlupp; Data centre for multidisciplinary research, Salsabyl Benlalam and National and regional perspective on induced seismicity monitoring, Benoit Derode.

The symposium gave the opportunity to share cutting-edge research and insights on the growing challenges posed by anthropogenic influences within the field of geosciences while fostering new potential collaborations and future projects under the EPOS ERIC framework of TCS-AH.

Workshop on "Seismicity Induced by Human Technological Activities and the Related Seismic Hazard" held at China University of Mining and Technology

Beijing, China; September 25-26, 2025

Made possible by the invitation of Professor Suping Peng, Director of State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal resources, a two-day international workshop titled "Seismicity Induced by Human Technological Activities and the Related Seismic Hazard. Workshop on EPISODES Platform." took place at the China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT) in Beijing on September 25-26, 2025. The event was organized as a side event of the conference "Geophysical Methods for Mineral Exploration, Urban & Underground Space Development, and Environmental Sustainability" and was hosted on the EPISODES Platform.

The workshop was led by a team from the Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences (IG PAS), comprising Prof. Stanisław Lasocki, Prof. Beata Orlecka-Sikora, Prof. Łukasz Rudziński, and Anna Leśnodorska.

It gathered 25 PhD candidates from CUMT, offering them an intensive introduction to the phenomena of natural and anthropogenic seismicity, data analysis, and seismic hazard assessment.

The workshop programme combined theoretical lectures with practical, hands-on EPISODES Platform sessions. Topics included:

• Fundamentals of earthquakes and seismicity - natural and anthropogenic origins
• Causes and characteristics of induced seismic events
• Seismic observations and estimation of source parameters
• Relationship between technological processes and induced seismicity
• Seismic hazard evaluation and mitigation - time-independent and time-dependent approaches

Participants explored the EPISODES Platform, engaging in interactive exercises and friendly competitions using the platform’s analytical tools. Winners were awarded TCS AH gadgets for their outstanding performance. Students were also presented with EPOS Data Portal as a source of multidisciplinary EPOS data.

Despite initial language barriers, the workshop successfully bridged communication gaps thanks to AI-based translation tools and effective cooperation between student groups. Each participant received a certificate of completion.

The event was co-financed by the projects: HE GeoINQUIRE (Geosphere INfrastructures for QUestions into Integrated REsearch; GA: 101058518) and TCS AH (Thematic Core Service Anthropogenic Hazards; Agreement no: 2024/WK/05), funded by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

It served not only as a valuable educational experience but also as an important step toward future scientific collaboration between the Institute of Geophysics PAS and the China University of Mining and Technology.

"We are very pleased with the engagement and enthusiasm of the students. The workshop demonstrated that international cooperation, supported by modern digital tools, can effectively advance knowledge sharing in the field of induced seismicity", commented Workshop leaders.

The organizers expressed hope that this initiative marks the beginning of long-term cooperation between the two institutions in the field of anthropogenic hazard studies and seismological research.

Geophysical Methods for Mineral Exploration, Urban & Underground Space Development, and Environmental Sustainability Workshop

September 22-24, 2025, Xiong'an New Area, China

The workshop was organized by the China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing and Hosed by State Key Laboratory for Fine Exploration and Intelligent Development of Coal Resources. Prof. Stanislaw Lasocki (IG PAS) was invited to the role of the Vice Chairmen in the Workshop Academic Committee. Institute of Geophysics PAS was represented by researcher from Department of Seismology and by the Head of TCS AH Coordination Department. The team gave the following speeches:

1. Professor Stanislaw Lasocki - "Time-dependent Anthropogenic Seismic Hazard Assessment"
2. Professor Beata Orlecka Sikora & Anna Leśnodorska - "EPISODES Platform in Action: Seismic Hazard Forecasting Digital Twin for Mining and Subsurface Resource Operations"
3. Professor Beata Orlecka Sikora - "Tracking Fault Damage Evolution in Anthropogenic Seismicity Using Seismic Strain Metrics: Toward Operational Forecasting of Rupture Potential"
4. Professor Łukasz Rudziński - "Source Mechanisms of Collapse Events Observed in Polish Underground Mines.

The workshop was the great opportunity to meet international geophysics community and exchange ideas and experience and establish European - Asian contacts. The abovenpresentations promoted as well the TCS Ah EPISODES Platform.

Co-financeded by the Geo-INQUIRE (HE Project; GA: 101058518) funds. Co-financed from the program of the Minister of Science "Support for the participation of Polish scientific teams in international research infrastructure projects". Co-finanaced by the IG PAS stautory funds.

10^th Oulu Mining Summit conference, September 17-19, 2025

The aim of the Summit was to work as a communication platform for mining companies, universities, research institutes, consulting companies and other mining-related enterprises.

The conference included a number of invited presentations given by specialists from mineral exploration, geophysical and mining companies and research organisations in Finland and abroad.

TCS AH was represented by Agnieszka Mtupa-Ndiaye at the Oulu Mining Summit 2025. On the second day of the conference Agnieszka presented the EPOS TCS AH Integrated Research Infrastructure with a live demonstration of the EPISODES Platform at the session dedicated to research infrastructures. The goal of the TCS AH presentation was to demonstrate the EPISODES Platform, its applications and some use cases, which could be of interest to the mining industry and the outputs of which could be useful for taking measures in improving mining safety.

Rockburst and Seismicity in Mines (RaSiM) 2025

From August 25 to 29, the 11^th edition of the International Conference on Rockbursts and Seismicity in Mines (RaSiM) took place in Luleå, Sweden. Organized by Luleå University of Technology, the event brought together representatives of research institutions and industry engaged in R&D activities aimed at improving safety in mining operations. The conference served as an important forum for exchanging knowledge and experience between the academic community and mining practitioners, particularly from Swedish iron ore and polymetallic ore mines.

The Institute was represented at RaSiM11 by Dr. hab. Łukasz Rudziński from the Department of Seismology. As a member of the EPOS Thematic Core Service on Anthropogenic Hazards (TCS AH), he introduced the service together with the EPISODES Platform, highlighting its online integration capabilities. His presentation was part of a competition designed for conference participants to explore the platform’s functionalities. In a second talk, Dr. Rudziński presented the outcomes of the Digital Twin – Geophysical Extremes (DT-GEO) project, with a focus on addressing anthropogenic hazards in deep mining.

Participation in RaSiM11 was made possible thanks to the support of the DT-GEO project funded under the Horizon Europe programme (Grant Agreement No. 101058129), the Ministry of Science project supporting TCS AH (No. 2024/WK/05), as well as data financially supported through the SPUB project (No. 1/599046/SPUB/SP/2024).

Prof. Harsh Gupta seminar in August

August 28 and 29, 2025 – Seismology and TCS AH Coordination IG PAS Departments had the honor of hosting Prof. Harsh Gupta. We had great privilage to listen to Professors talks on:

• reservoir-induced seismicity at the Department of Seismology, with the online contribution of other members of IGF PAS and other institutes,
• the topic of large earthquakes in the Himalayas,
• the first station and Indian expedition to Antarctica led by Prof. Gupta

Two days seminar was also great oportunity for us to show all our achievments and ongoing research and RI connected activities. The presentations led to interesting, long lasting scientific discussions. It was very valuable to hear Professor’s opinions and comments. During the first Day IGF PAS Deputy Director of Scientific Affairs, Professor Rafał Junosza-Szaniawski, took part in the Seminar and listened to all presentations. THANK YOU ALL for participation :)

Prof. Harsh K. Gupta

Professor Harsh K. Gupta is an Indian National Science Academy Senior Scientist at the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute in Hyderabad and the current President of the Geological Society of India. His distinguished career spans over six decades, during which he has made pioneering contributions to geoscience research and management.

Professor Gupta is globally recognized for his work in a wide range of fields, including:

• Reservoir-triggered seismicity and earthquake hazard studies.
• Antarctica research, where he led the 3rd Indian Scientific Expedition in 1983, establishing India's first permanent base, Dakshin Gangotri.
• Tsunami hazards, having spearheaded the establishment of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System.
• Science leadership at both national and international levels.

His significant contributions include providing the first geophysical evidence for the thick crust beneath the Tibet Plateau and Himalayan region in 1967. He also developed globally applied criteria to differentiate between artificial water reservoir-triggered earthquakes and natural earthquakes. His persistent efforts in this area led to an International Continental Drilling Program for the Koyna region in India.

Professor Gupta has authored over 200 scientific publications and seven books, and he edited the Encyclopedia of Solid Earth Geophysics. For his exemplary contributions, he has received numerous awards, including the Padma Shri in 2006 and the prestigious Waldo E. Smith Medal from the American Geophysical Union (AGU) in 2008, making him the first scientist from a developing country to receive this honour.

Invitation to Symposium on Anthropogenic Hazards

We are delighted to invite you to the upcoming Symposium on Anthropogenic Hazards in the framework of European TCS-AH, which will take place on November 26, 2025 in Strasbourg, France.

The Thematic Core Service for Anthropogenic Hazards (TCS-AH) is a European research infrastructure dedicated to understanding and mitigating human-induced geohazards. It provides access to high-quality, time-correlated datasets (known as Episodes) that link industrial activities such as geothermal energy production, mining, and fluid injection to seismic events and ground deformation. At the heart of TCS-AH is the EPISODES Platform, a virtual laboratory designed for collaborative research, education, and public engagement. Users can visualize, analyze, and model data, fostering innovation in hazard assessment and risk management. By integrating scientific expertise across Europe, TCS-AH supports safer industrial practices and promotes open science in the field of solid Earth studies

The symposium aims to foster interdisciplinary discussions and share insights on the growing challenges posed by anthropogenic influences within the field of geosciences.

We are pleased to announce that the symposium features an open call for oral presentations (15 min each talk + 5 min discussion). We warmly encourage experts and researchers to submit their abstracts for consideration. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your work, share your perspectives, and engage with peers.

Registration and submission ›

Abstract submission deadline: September 30, 2025
Notification of acceptance: October 10, 2025

The final program will be disclosed then.

For more information on submission guidelines and the event program, contact us directly at caroline.correia@unistra.fr.

Deadline dates for the workshop in China

The deadline for forum registration is tentatively set as June 18, 2025.
For papers submission deadline date is July 15, 2025.

All the new details aboout the "Geophysical Methods for Mineral Exploration, Urban & Underground Space Development, and Environmental Sustainability" workshop are available on the China University of Mining & Technology (BeiJing) website.

Photo By N509FZ, CC BY-SA 4.0