Structural and kinematic models of the Aegean based on HALO gravity and magnetic data

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Alain Geiger; Professor Vincent Lesur, Ph.D., since 9/2009
• Subject Area: Atmospheric Science
• Term: from 2007 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 48882211

The HALO Geoscience User Group is proposing the GEOHALO Mission to demonstrate the innovative capabilities of HALO for geoscience applications. The main advantage of HALO for the geosciences is its long-range capability, meaning that extensive data can be obtained in remote regions (Antarctica, Himalaya, Amazon). The ability to fly at high elevations provides the chance to link surface and satellite (CHAMP, GRACE, GOCE) gravity and magnetic data. The first HALO geoscience mission will be flown over the Aegean Sea, the most seismically active part of Europe. The GEOHALO Mission comprises four projects that deal with acquisition (including new instrumentation), processing and interpretation of airborne gravity and magnetic data and remote sensing of the atmosphere using Global Satellite Navigation Systems. Six 800-km long, parallel profiles will be flown at 2.5 km elevation in order to map Aegean gravity and magnetic anomalies. High-altitude observations will be made along an additional line flown at 15 km elevation. The focus of this proposal, GEOHALO Project 3, is the preparation of magnetometers for HALO and the application of the HALO gravity and magnetic data to modelling and interpreting lithospheric structure and dynamics in the Aegean region. We aim to improve maps of the Aegean gravity and magnetic fields in order to better understand Aegean lithospheric structure and kinematics. Improved knowledge of these properties helps our understanding of earthquake and tsunami hazard associated with the Hellenic subduction zone and the North-Anatolian fault.

• DFG Programme: Infrastructure Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1294: Atmospheric and Earth System Research with the "High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft" (HALO)
• International Connection: Switzerland
• Ehemalige Antragstellerinnen / Ehemalige Antragsteller: Professor Dr. Ron Hackney, until 3/2008; Professorin Dr. Mioara Mandea, from 3/2008 until 8/2009