Volcano science is a very practical and gratifying science that enables local communities to live in harmony with their environment. Volcano Science reminds us everyday that our planet is untamed, and that mankind has to adapt to volcanic fury otherwise it will pay a heavy toll in casualties and destroyed infrastructures. EOS’ Volcano Group has three main objectives: to improve understanding of volcanic activity (study of selected volcanoes in Southeast Asia that represent contrasting volcanic patterns) to forecast eruptions in the region (observation and monitoring of the most active volcanoes in the region)to assess the environmental and societal impact of major volcanic eruptions (accurate estimations of their effect on agriculture and climate, for example)
Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most complex tectonic zone, with many large and active faults, and a number of major subduction zones responsible for destructive earthquakes.EOS Tectonic Group studies spread from the Himalayas to New Guinea. On the field, tectonic scientists perform the following tasks: integrated geologic mapping, through observations and interpretations geomorphic observations of major tectonic objects (faults or terraces for example) acquisition of geodetic data supporting the two former earthquakes monitoring, which enables them to reconstruct fault mechanisms in depth The broad goal of Earthquake Science is to increase fundamental knowledge of the region’s tectonic and seismic behaviour. This knowledge is used afterwards as a basis for more reliable long- and medium- term forecasting of earthquakes.Furthermore, these data allow local governments to take action to reduce potential hazards due to a constant seismic activity at the surface of our planet.
Over the next decades and centuries, changes in average temperatures will perturb the rainfall and flooding patterns we have long relied on to support agriculture in Southeast Asia.Furthermore, warmer oceans and atmosphere will result in a rise in sea levels, a grave threat to our coastal conurbations. Although scientists know that this rise will be heterogeneous, accurate forecasting for Southeast Asia is not available. Hence EOS’ Climate Change Group aims to fill a gap of much-needed information on climatic forces in Southeast Asia. Its research program is focusing primarily on: regional climate monitoring,paleoclimate studies, past and modern tropical climates modelling. Beyond this fundamental research EOS is also involved in climate change adaptation projects. It provides expertise to Southeast Asian countries to deal with climate change consequences.
Global climate change will result in a rise in sea levels all over the planet. This rise will not be homogeneous all over the globe, but whether it will be in the upper estimated range in Southeast Asia or not is poorly known. However, sea level change is a natural phenomenon in correlation with the whole Earth climatic and geologic cycles. Human impact unfortunately makes it worse and quicker. EOS focuses its research activities on: unravelling the sea level history in the region (using corals as ‘recorders’) valuating the local impact of a global sea level rise preparing an appropriate response to the sea level rise with regional decision-makers
Tsunamis are giant waves generated by earthquakes, landslides, and underwater volcanic eruptions mostly. Such waves transport tremendous energy, and last decade’s giant tsunamis (in Indian Ocean and Japan) reminded to the world how coastal populations are threatened by tsunamis, especially in Southeast Asia. Tsunamis study take very various forms, from tsunami modelling to the restoration of tsunamis history in a localized place through sedimentary studies. EOS is involved in tsunami research in two ways: fundamental research (tsunami generation and propagation), risk assessment for coastal cities likely to be hit by a tsunami in the short- and long-term. One of the main puzzling challenge the EOS faces is the outreach to populations actually facing tsunami hazard. Despite previous outreach efforts, critical misunderstandings remain among policymakers and the public about the hazard and how to effectively mitigate risk. That is why we need more than ever people and ideas to face that challenge with us.
