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Opening

Date / Time: Sunday, 4. December 2016, 11:00 – 12:30

Prof. Christoph Kottmeier (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany), Dr. Ali Sawarieh (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jordan), Manuela Nied (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany)


Icebreaker - Science Slam

Date / Time: Sunday, 4. December 2016, 13:30 – 17:30

Lecturer: Prof. Christoph Kottmeier (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany), Manuela Nied (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany)

Abstract: In a science slam, the speaker presents his/her research in front of a non-expert audience. The focus lies on teaching his/her professional activities to a diverse audience in an entertaining way.

To bring along: Items for handicrafts like pens, scissors and glue.


This is my research (optional)

Date / Time: Tuesday, 6. December 2016, 20:00 – 20:30; Thursday, 8. December 2016, 20:00 – 20:30; Saturday, 10. December 2016, 20:00 – 20:30; Sunday, 11. December 2016, 20:00 – 20:30: Tuesday, 13. December 2016, 20:00 – 20:30

Abstract: The speaker presents his/her research in form of a poster. First, the presenter is asked to provide a summary of his/her poster to the audience. Afterwards, an open discussion on the presented research can take place.

To bring along: Poster displaying your research.


The Dead Sea Region

Date / Time: Monday, 5. December 2016, 08:30 – 17:30

Lecturer: Prof. Michael Weber (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany), Dr. Ahmad Al-Masri (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jordan), Prof. Torsten Dahm (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany), Prof. Charlotte Krawczyk (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)

Abstract: The Dead Sea Region with its unique landscape and cultural area is the central basis of life in the region and of great economic and ecological importance. On the other hand, the region is faced to hazardous natural phenomena and rapid environmental changes. The field trip will give an introduction on the Dead Sea region, its climate, culture, living conditions and history as well as on the hazardous natural phenomena and rapid environmental changes the region is faced to. Among others, stops are foreseen at Wadi Mujib, the Ghor Haditha sinkhole site and at the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex.

To bring along: Sturdy shoes, clothing that may get dirty, sunscreen, hat.


Sinkholes - Processes and problems

Date / Time: Tuesday, 6. December 2016, 08:30 – 10:30

Lecturer: Prof. Torsten Dahm (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)

Abstract: Sinkholes are circular or elliptical depressions in the earth surface, which are caused by underground dissolution and subrosion processes. The depressions may form gradually or abrupt, leading to collapses and collapse structures. Diameters may range from a few meters to several hundred meters for large sinkholes. Sinkholes in the Dead Sea coastal region pose a severe hazard for inhabitants, infrastructures and agriculture. Although sinkhole collapse appear to occur abruptly at the surface, the processes in the sub ground often proceed the sinkhole formation and collapse by many months and years. Natural phenomena as flash floods, but also human influences like the gradual lowering of the sea level of the Dead Sea, are assumed to influence the sinkhole formation process and to trigger individual collapse events. The lecture introduces in the sinkhole problem and the geophysical processes below the surface. General models for sinkhole collapses are discussed, and the overview of the role of the different geophysical techniques for sinkhole studies are presented.


Seismic techniques to investigate sinkholes

Date / Time: Tuesday, 6. December 2016, 11:00 – 12:30

Lecturer: Prof. Charlotte Krawczyk (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)

Highlights:

Abstract:  Seismic methods yield structural images of the subsurface, accompanied by the velocity structure of different layers.  Depending on acquisition design and technique used, different properties of the elastic wavefield are considered, thereby allowing different spatial scales and resolution of an object.  After an introduction to general physical principles important for seismics, we will discuss different seismic field setups and their resulting sections.  Examples will be provided from investigation at different sinkhole sites worldwide.  Finally, we will interpret a reflection seismic profile and discuss the structure you found.

Literature:

Keary, P., Brooks, M., Hill, I., 2002.  An Introduction to Geophysical Exploration (Third Edition). Blackwell Publishing Ltd., Oxford, 288 pp.

Krawczyk, C.M., Polom, U., Trabs, S., Dahm, T., 2012.  Sinkholes in the city of Hamburg – New urban shear-wave reflection seismic system enables high-resolution imaging of subrosion structures.  Journal of Applied Geophysics, 78, 133-143; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2011.02.003.

Stein, S., Wysession, M., 2003.  An Introduction to Seismology, Earthquakes, and Earth Structure.  Blackwell Publishing Ltd., Oxford, 498 pp.; http://levee.wustl.edu/seismology/book/.

To bring along: Colour pencils, rubber gum


Photogrammetry to investigate sinkholes

Date / Time: Tuesday, 6. December 2016, 13:30 – 15:30

Lecturer: Djamil Al-Halbouni (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)

Highlights:

Abstract: Many aspects of the sinkhole hazard around the Dead Sea are still incompletely described and understood, often due to the high risk of geophysical and geological field investigation. Aerial photography can help to overcome this issue. This lecture will give an introduction into how the analysis of aerial photos acquired by UAV’s using the close-range photogrammetric method can contribute to our general understanding of sinkhole and subsidence formation.
We will look at common acquisition techniques, the theoretical aspects of the Structure-from-Motion method, georeferencing and resolution issues. The role of the photogrammetric technique to provide datasets for further analysis will be discussed exemplarily on sinkhole collapse simulations.
A recent practical application to the sinkhole area of Ghor Al-Haditha will be shown and a GIS analysis of the Digital Surface Models of the last years will be presented, with focus on sinkhole morphologies, geological features and the overall context of subsidence formation. The lecture will prepare for the following field experiment and data analysis.

Literature:

Agisoft, 2013. Agisoft PhotoScan user manual. Professional edition, version 1.0.0.

Al-Halbouni, D. et al., 2016. Sinkholes, subrosion and subsidence revealed by a Close-Range Photogrammetry  survey. In review, Geomorphology.

Bonilla-Sierra, V., Scholtès, L., Donzé, F. V. & Elmouttie, M. K. Rock slope stability analysis using photogrammetric data and DFN–DEM modelling. Acta Geotech. 10, 497–511 (2015).

Burner, A., Snow, W. & Goad, W. Close-Range Photogrammetry with video cameras. (1983).

Denizman, C. Morphometric and spatial distribution parameters of karstic depressions, lower Suwanee River basin, Florida. J. Cave Karst Stud. 65, 29–35 (2003).

Förstner, W., Wrobel, B., 2013. Mathematical concepts in photogrammetry. In: McGlone (Ed.), Manual of Photogrammetry, 6th Edition. American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Bethesda, MD, USA, p. 63-233.

Luhmann, T., Robson, S., Kyle, S., Boehm, J., 2014. Close-range photogrammetry and 3D imaging, 2nd Edition. Walter De Gruyter.

Nakano, T., Kamiya, I., Tobita, M., Iwahashi, J. & Nakajima, H. Landform Monitoring in Active Volcano By Uav and Sfm-Mvs Technique. Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spat. Inf. Sci. XL, (2014).

Stumpf, A., Malet, J.-P., Allemand, P., Pierrot-Deseilligny, M. & Skupinski, G. Ground-based multi-view photogrammetry for the monitoring of landslide deformation and erosion. Geomorphology 231, 130–145 (2015).

Walter, T., May 2014. Cost effective aero-photogrammetry toys at active volcanoes: On the use of drones, balloons and kites. In: EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts. Vol. 16 p. 6427.

Whitman, D., Gubbels, T., Powell, L., 1999. Spatial Interrelationships between Lake Elevations, Water Tables and Sinkhole Occurrence in Central Florida: A GIS Approach. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing 65 (10), 1169–1178.

To bring along: For the following data analysis we will need Laptops + Download 30 day Trial Version of Agisoft Professional from website http://www.agisoft.com/ .
Optional: Google Earth and QGIS (http://www.qgis.org/en/site/)


Electromagnetics (GPR) to investigate sinkholes

Date / Time: Tuesday, 6. December 2016, 16:00 – 17:30

Lecturer: Husam Alrshdan (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jordan)

Highlights:

Abstract: The ground penetrating radar geophysical technique is similar in principle to reflection seismic technique that uses electromagnetic (EM), rather than acoustic waves to image the shallow subsurface. GPR has been used to aid in geologic, hydrologic, geotechnical engineering and archeological investigations. It produces a short pulse of high frequency (10-1000 MHz) electromagnetic energy which is transmitted into the ground from a shielded antenna pulled slowly across the ground.
The aim of the geophysical investigations carried out in Ghor Haditha area is to detect the subsurface sinkholes and define their dimensions, delimitation the fresh-saline water interface and predict the scenario of any hazards. Three geophysical methods were applied over sinkholes area; Ground Penetrating Radar, Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Time Domain Electromagnetic using NanoTEM technique.
Resistivity and GPR surveys show that all subsurface sinkholes are accompanied with or above fresh water or fresh water effects. Layers seem to be shapeless or crumbled as an effect of fresh water that swept through them. An important fact is that, all detected subsurface sinkholes were accompanied with fresh water and no sinkholes exist in dry areas.

Literature:

Alrshdan, H., 2012. Geophysical investigations of Ghor Haditha Sinkholes, Jordan, EAGE Workshop on Dead Sea Sinkholes – Causes, Effects & Solutions, 23-26 September 2012, Amman, Jordan.

Annan, A., Cosway, S., and Redman, J., 1991. Water table detection with ground penetrating radar. Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Annual Meeting, Extended Abstracts 61, 494- 496.

Liner, C., and Liner, J., 1995. Ground penetrating radar-A near-surface experience from Washington County, Arkansas. The Leading Edge 14, 17-21.

To bring along: Pens, pencils and Paper.


Field experiments sinkholes

Date / Time: Wednesday, 7. December 2016, 08:30 – 17:30

Lecturer: Prof. Torsten Dahm (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany), Prof. Charlotte Krawczyk (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany), Djamil Al-Halbouni (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany), Husam Alrshdan (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jordan), Dr. Ulrich Polom (Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics, Germany)

Abstract: Field experiments at the Ghor Haditha sinkhole site will give insight into sinkhole development and characterization. In alternating groups the participants will conduct shear wave reflection seismic, aerial images photogrammetry using balloons and DGPS, as well as ground penetrating radar.

To bring along: Sturdy shoes, clothing that may get dirty, sunscreen, hat.


Processing of sinkhole field data - Seismic processing software

Date / Time: Thursday, 8. December 2016, 08:30 – 10:30

Lecturer: Dr. Ulrich Polom (Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics, Germany)

Highlights:

Abstract: Processing of reflection seismic data sets is aimed to generate seismic line sections in a 2D acquisition case and seismic cube sections in case of a 3D acquisition case. The processing software is usually a collection of process modules, which are combined in a user defined manner to processing flows to enable efficient multi trace time series processing like amplitude scaling, filtering, sorting, editing, stacking, migration, and depth conversion. Additionally supporting tools and analysis tools are integrated to derive miscellaneous data like the survey geometry, common midpoint binning and trace header set up, sort definitions, 1D and 2D frequency filter analysis, refraction analysis, and velocity analysis. During processing of a reflection seismic data set data flows and analysis tools are combined interactively and iteratively to build up a processing sequence to enable a final data stream to convert the field data into final seismic sections. A typical processing sequence contents 10-15 flow steps and 4-10 analysis steps which are individually designed for the specific data set. The course will give an overview of the capabilities and requirements of reflection seismic processing software using the VISTA software developed by GEDCO Inc. (now part of Schlumberger) as example.

Literature:

Yilmaz, O., 1987, Seismic Data Processing: Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Tulsa Oklahoma.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j22oi-yC6c0 and many more videos

To bring along:
For interested participants who bring along a notebook computer running windows operating system a free demo version of the software will be available.


Processing of sinkhole field data - S-wave seismics

Date / Time: Thursday, 8. December 2016, 11:00 – 12:30

Lecturer: Dr. Ulrich Polom (Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics, Germany), Prof. Charlotte Krawczyk (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)

Highlights:

Abstract: S-wave reflection seismic is an advantageous method to image the shallow subsurface in high-resolution. Since the propagation velocity of S-waves depends not on the content of the pore space like P-waves would do, they propagate slower and the wavelengths are smaller, which can result in an improved resolution. As a disadvantage of wave propagation along the matrix structure only, the ray paths of the S-waves may be strongly affected by inhomogeneous subsurface situations, which require adapted processing strategies. In 2013 and 2014 this method was applied at the Ghor Al-Haditha sinkhole site to investigate the shallow subsurface structure. Using a profile acquired in 2014, the lecture will give an example how the processing was carried out to achieve sufficient results.

Literature:

Polom U, Bagge M., Wadas S., Winsemann J., Brandes C., Binot F., Krawczyk, C.M. 2013. Surveying near-surface depotcentres by means of shear wave seismic. First Break, Vol. 31, 67-79.

Pugin A.J.M., Larson T.H ., Sargent S.L. 2004. Near-surface mapping using SH-wave and P-wave seismic land-streamer data acquisition in Illinois, U.S. The Leading Edge 23, 677-682.

Yilmaz, O., 1987, Seismic Data Processing: Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Tulsa Oklahoma.


Processing of sinkhole field data - Photogrammetry

Date / Time: Thursday, 8. December 2016, 13:30 – 15:30

Lecturer: Djamil Al-Halbouni (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany), Prof. Torsten Dahm (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)

Highlights:

Abstract: The photos acquired via aerial photography with the Helikite balloon at the sinkhole area Ghor Al-Haditha will be processed using the software Agisoft Pro. Each group will work on their own photo assemblies. The goal is the stepwise creation of an Orthophoto and Digital Surface Model for the surveyed area. The following steps will be undertaken by the students:

  1. Installation of Agisoft Pro Trial version (30d) on windows, linux or mac.
  2. Photo downsampling (max. 100 images) and loading into new Agisoft project.
  3. Alignment of the photos into a sparse point cloud. Attention: If the processing times on your laptop are too long for the sparse and dense cloud creation, reduce the number of images! Image overlap should be at least 50%.
  4. Adding ground control points. Confirming GCPs in the images.
  5. Processing sparse cloud into a dense point cloud.
  6. Optimization: Remove water surfaces, vegetation, persons from points.
  7. Creation of an Orthophoto for the surveyed area.
  8. Compilation of a dense mesh & Digital Surface Model for the surveyed area.
  9. Optional: Creation of Google Earth kml file overlay.
  10. Optional: Analysis of individual sinkholes in the DSM (depth, diameter, long-axis, slope…).
  11. Presentation and discussion of the DSM by groups.

Literature:

Agisoft, 2013. Agisoft PhotoScan user manual. Professional edition, version 1.0.0.

Al-Halbouni, D. et al., 2016. Sinkholes, subrosion and subsidence revealed by a Close-Range Photogrammetry  survey. In review, Geomorphology.

Bonilla-Sierra, V., Scholtès, L., Donzé, F. V. & Elmouttie, M. K. Rock slope stability analysis using photogrammetric data and DFN–DEM modelling. Acta Geotech. 10, 497–511 (2015).

Burner, A., Snow, W. & Goad, W. Close-Range Photogrammetry with video cameras. (1983).

Denizman, C. Morphometric and spatial distribution parameters of karstic depressions, lower Suwanee River basin, Florida. J. Cave Karst Stud. 65, 29–35 (2003).

Förstner, W., Wrobel, B., 2013. Mathematical concepts in photogrammetry. In: McGlone (Ed.), Manual of Photogrammetry, 6th Edition. American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Bethesda, MD, USA, p. 63-233

Luhmann, T., Robson, S., Kyle, S., Boehm, J., 2014. Close-range photogrammetry and 3D imaging, 2nd Edition. Walter De Gruyter.

Nakano, T., Kamiya, I., Tobita, M., Iwahashi, J. & Nakajima, H. Landform Monitoring in Active Volcano By Uav and Sfm-Mvs Technique. Int. Arch. Photogramm. Remote Sens. Spat. Inf. Sci. XL, (2014).

Stumpf, A., Malet, J.-P., Allemand, P., Pierrot-Deseilligny, M. & Skupinski, G. Ground-based multi-view photogrammetry for the monitoring of landslide deformation and erosion. Geomorphology 231, 130–145 (2015).

Walter, T., May 2014. Cost effective aero-photogrammetry toys at active volcanoes: On the use of drones, balloons and kites. In: EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts. Vol. 16 p. 6427.

Whitman, D., Gubbels, T., Powell, L., 1999. Spatial Interrelationships between Lake Elevations, Water Tables and Sinkhole Occurrence in Central Florida: A GIS Approach. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing 65 (10), 1169–1178.

To bring along: Laptops + Download 30 day Trial Version of Agisoft Professional from website http://www.agisoft.com/ some days before lecture.
Optional: Google Earth and QGIS (http://www.qgis.org/en/site/)


Processing of sinkhole field data - GPR

Date / Time: Thursday, 8. December 2016, 16:00 – 17:30

Lecturer: Husam Alrshdan (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jordan), Djamil Al-Halbouni (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)

Highlights:

Abstract: Definition of GPR and device parts, and how to operate on GPR, then explanation on the data processing software.
Identify the steps of data processing to get a cross section ready to interpretation. Finally, define what the 2D model is and how to make 3D model.

To bring along: Personal laptop, sturdy shoes, hat.


Seismic training course - Rupture and waves

Date / Time: Saturday, 10. December 2016, 08:30 – 10:30

Lecturer: Dr. Claus Milkereit (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)

Highlights:

Abstract:  Introduction to Seismology, Earth Observation and ways of monitoring
Most of what we know today about the internal structure and physical properties of the Earth, and thus about the internal forces which drive plate motions and produce major geological features, has been derived from seismological data. Seismology continues to be a fundamental tool for investigating the kinematics and dynamics of geological processes at all scales. With continued advances in seismological methods we hope to better understand and assess their current status as well as the diverse related potential benefits, hazards and risks for mankind.

The lectures on Seismology are being accompanied by practical ‘hands-on’ exercises in the afternoon with SeisComp3. The introduction will cover earthquake statistics, earthquake location, earthquake monitorin.

Literature:

New Manual of Seismological Observatory Practice (NMSOP-2)

nmsop.gfz-potsdam.de, Chapter 1, 2


Seismic training course - Earthquake location, timing and polarity

Date / Time: Saturday, 10. December 2016, 11:00 – 12:30

Lecturer: Dr. Claus Milkereit (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)

Highlights:

Abstract: Seismic Wave Propagation, Earth models, and Source Parameters
The key data to be recorded by means of seismic sensors and recorders at seismological observatories are seismic waves, radiated by seismic sources. Weak signals may be masked or significantly distorted by seismic noise which is usually considered as disturbing and unwanted. Only in some special engineering applications is seismic noise also appreciated as a useful signal, from which some information on the structure, velocity and fundamental resonance frequency of the uppermost sedimentary layers can be derived (H/V Method).

Seismic waves, generated by seismic sources are oscillations due to elastic deformations which propagate through the Earth and can be recorded by seismic sensors. The seismic moment and seismic energy released by these sources may cover a tremendous range of associated magnitudes.

A proper understanding of wave arrivals is essential for a correct phase identification that in turn is of great importance for event location and magnitude determination but also for later determination of seismic velocities inside the Earth, especially also for S waves.

Literature:

New Manual of Seismological Observatory Practice (NMSOP-2)

nmsop.gfz-potsdam.de, Chapter 2, 3


Seismic training course - SeisComp3 introduction and setup

Date / Time: Saturday, 10. December 2016, 13:30 – 15:30

Lecturer: Dr. Angelo Strollo (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany), Dr. Javier Quinteros (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)

Highlights:

Abstract: The first SeisComP3 module will provide a short introduction to the software package and the basic knowledge needed to setup a SeisComP3 system for real-time data acquisition, processing and archival.

Literature (links):

SeisComP3 software package wiki: https://www.seiscomp3.org/

GEOFON software page: http://geofon.gfz-potsdam.de/software/

ORFEUS/EIDA: http://www.orfeus-eu.org/eida/

DOIs for seismic data: Evans, P. L., A. Strollo, A. Clark, T. Ahern, R. Newman, J. F. Clinton, H. Pedersen, and C. Pequegnat (2015), Why seismic networks need digital object identifiers, Eos, 96, doi:10.1029/2015EO036971. Published on 8 October 2015.

To bring along:

Own laptops if possible with virtualbox pre-installed (available here: https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads). A virtual machine will be provided during the first module of the training with basic configuration and a data set (2-3 GB size). Ideally participants will communicate to the organizers which Operating System they are running and hardware architecture 32 or 64 bit?


Seismic training course - Adding stations to SeisComP3, importing exporting metadata and data

Date / Time: Saturday, 10. December 2016, 16:00 – 17:30

Lecturer: Dr. Angelo Strollo (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany), Dr. Javier Quinteros (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)

Highlights:

Abstract: The second SeisComP3 module will introduce the standard web services used in the seismological community (known as fdsnws) to download station’s information and seismic data as well as access earthquake parametric data from data centers belonging to the International Federation of Digital Seismograph Networks (FDSN -GEOFON, IRIS, EIDA, etc).

Literature (links):

SeisComP3 software package wiki: https://www.seiscomp3.org/

ORFEUS/EIDA: http://www.orfeus-eu.org/eida/

FDSN: http://www.fdsn.org/

Fdsnws specifications: http://www.fdsn.org/webservices/FDSN-WS-Specifications-1.1.pdf


Seismic training course - Magnitude, moment and displacement

Date / Time: Sunday, 11. December 2016, 08:30 – 10:30

Lecturer: Dr. Claus Milkereit (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany), Eng. Ali Solihat (Jordan Seismological Observatory, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jordan)

Highlights:.

Abstract: Magnitude, Energy and Fault Plane solution
Magnitude is a logarithmic measure of the size of an earthquake based on instrumental measurements. Magnitudes are commonly derived from ground motion amplitudes and periods or from signal duration measured on instrumental records. There is no a priori scale limitation to magnitudes as it exists for macroseismic intensity scales. The largest moment magnitude Mw observed so far, was that of the Chile earthquake in 1960 (Mw ≈ 9.5). Nowadays, highly sensitive instrumentation close to the sources may record local events with magnitude even smaller than zero (e.g., Mw down to -4 for induced seismicity recorded close-up in gold mines). With empirical energy-magnitude-relationships the seismic energy, radiated by the seismic source as seismic waves can be estimated.

The determination of fault-plane solutions uses the direction (polarity) and amplitude of motion of a seismic wave arriving at a distant station, which depends both on the wave type considered and the position of the station relative to the motion in the earthquake source. An example earthquake from the region will be investigated in detail; the same earthquake will be analyzed by SeisComp3 in the afternoon.

Literature:

New Manual of Seismological Observatory Practice (NMSOP-2)

nmsop.gfz-potsdam.de, Chapter 3, DS3.1, EX 3.2

To bring along: Paper, calculator and fun


Seismic training course - Instruments and H/VC

Date / Time: Sunday, 11. December 2016, 11:00 – 12:30

Lecturer: Dr. Claus Milkereit (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)

Highlights:

Abstract: The distribution of damages due to earthquakes has shown that the effects of local geology on ground shaking represent an important factor in engineering seismology. When an earthquake occurs, waves generated at the source propagate through the Earth. When two nearby sites are located on the top of different materials, the ground shaking can be very different because of the site conditions.

Site effects can be estimated by means of numerical simulations and experimental methods. The former range from simple 1-D numerical calculations to methods that consider complex phenomena and model geometry. In general, the experimental methods are subdivided into two categories: reference site and non-reference site techniques.

Most of the researchers focused their attention on the comparison of noise H/V spectral ratio and earthquake site response and agreed that the H/V spectral ratio of seismic noise provides a fair estimate of the fundamental resonance frequency of a site. However, attempts to provide standards for the analysis of seismic noise have only recently been carried out

Literature:

New Manual of Seismological Observatory Practice (NMSOP-2)

nmsop.gfz-potsdam.de, Chapter 4, 5, 14


Seismic training course - Integrating data from the Dead Sea region in SeisComP3

Date / Time: Sunday, 11. December 2016, 13:30 – 15:30

Lecturer: Dr. Angelo Strollo (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany), Dr. Javier Quinteros (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)

Highlights:

Abstract: The third SeisComP3 module will be focused on assembling data requests for the Dead Sea region, request and integrate the data into the local SeisComP3 system. This is the final preparatory step needed for the next and final module that will be on data processing.

Literature (links):

SeisComP3 software package wiki: https://www.seiscomp3.org/

ORFEUS/EIDA: http://www.orfeus-eu.org/eida/

FDSN: http://www.fdsn.org/

Fdsnws specifications: http://www.fdsn.org/webservices/FDSN-WS-Specifications-1.1.pdf

Scart: http://www.seiscomp3.org/doc/jakarta/current/apps/scart.html


Seismic training course - SeisComp3 GUIs usage, location, magnitude and focal mechanisms

Date / Time: Sunday, 11. December 2016, 16:00 – 17:30

Lecturer: Dr. Angelo Strollo (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany), Dr. Javier Quinteros (GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany)

Highlights:

Abstract: The fourth SeisComP3 module will make use of the system prepared during the previous modules. Earthquakes analysis will be performed starting from the phase picking for location and magnitude calculation as well as focal mechanisms determination.

Literature (links):

Scolv: http://www.seiscomp3.org/doc/jakarta/current/apps/scolv.html


Methodology of seismic hazard and seismic risk assessments

Date / Time: Monday, 12. December 2016, 08:30 – 09:30

Lecturer: Dr. Mahmoud Al-Qaryouti (Jordan Seismological Observatory, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jordan)

Highlights:

Abstract: Following the losses suffered during major earthquakes that stuck many parts in the world in many countries in the world, there has been a broad recognition among workers of the need for extensive response planning based on detailed seismic hazard and seismic risk analyses.

Literature:

Antonioni, G., Spadoni, G. and Cozzani, V., 2007. A methodology for the quantitative risk assessment of major accidents triggered by seismic events, Journal of hazardous materials, 147, 48-59.

Salzano, E., Agreda, A., Di Carluccio, A. and Fabbrocino, 2009. Risk assessment and early warning systems for industrial facilities in seismic zones, Reliability and System Safety, 94, 1577-1584.

Handbook of seismic risk analysis and management of civil infrastructure systems, 2013. Edition: S. Tesfamarian and K. Goda, Woodhead Publishing Limited, P 883.


Seismic risk in the Dead Sea

Date / Time: Monday, 12. December 2016, 09:30 – 17:30

Lecturer: Dr. Mahmoud Al-Qaryouti and (Jordan Seismological Observatory, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Jordan)

Highlights:

Abstract: The Dead Sea Transform fault is a major strike-slip fault between Arabian and African plates. Large earthquakes are known to have occurred along the fault zone with recurrent magnitude M 6-7 earthquakes over the historical period. Instrumental seismicity show good correlation with the tectonics of the region.Three sites in the Dead Sea area are planned to be visited during the field day. The first stop is: Ghour Hadeitheh multi-parameter station which contains seismic, GPS permanent and MT instruments. Nice view is characterized the station area. This will take one hour stay. The second stop is: old Roman water reservoir which affected by major earthquakes. About two meters slip movement was occurred during the historical earthquake activities. We will stand on the boundary between Sinai-Palestine sub-plate and Arabian plate in the area. This will take one hour stay. The third stop is: walking along the fracture zone of the Dead Sea Transform fault. This will take one and half hour stay.

Literature:

Le Beon, M., Klinger, Y., Al-Qaryouti, M. Y., Meriaux, A., Finkel, R., El-ias, A., Mayyas, Ryerson, F. and Tapponnier, P., 2010. Early Holocene and Late Pleistocene slip rates of the southern Dead Sea Fault determined from 10Be cosmogenic dating of offset alluvial fans. J. Geophy. Res., Vol. 115, doi:10.1029/2009JB007198,2010.

Le Beon, M., Klinger, Y., Meriaux, A., Al-Qaryouti, M., Finkel, R., Mayyas and Tapponnier, P., 2012. Quaternary morpho-tectonic mapping of the Wadi Araba and implications for the tectonic activity of the southern Dead Sea Fault, 2012. Tectonics, doi:10.1029/2012TC003112.

Klinger, Y., Le Beon, M., Al-Qaryouti, M., 2015. 5000 years of paleoseismicity along the southern Dead Sea Fault. Geophys.J.Int., 212, 313-327, doi:10.1093/gji/ggv 134.

To bring along: Sturdy shoes, clothing that may get dirty, sunscreen, hat.


Introduction to field day; Hydrogeology and geology of Wadi Zerkqa Ma'in

Date / Time: Tuesday, 13. December 2016, 08:30 – 10:30

Lecturer: Dr. Ronald Krieg (Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Germany), Dr. Stefan Geyer (Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Germany)

Abstract:

To bring along:


Methods in practical tracer tests - color and ion tracers, isotopes

Date / Time: Tuesday, 13. December 2016, 11:00 – 12:30

Lecturer: Dr. Ronald Krieg (Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Germany), Dr. Stefan Geyer (Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Germany)

Abstract: Knowledge of groundwater residence time (“groundwater age”) is important in understanding key issues in the evolution of water quality, whether this occurs due to water – rock interaction or simply by mixing or contamination. In this short course, we will give an overview, examples and an introduction of methods for the estimation of mean groundwater residence times and how to detect and calculate the share of younger groundwater in a mixture of old and young groundwater.


Exercise: Estimation of groundwater recharge

Date / Time: Tuesday, 13. December 2016, 13:30 – 15:30

Lecturer:  Dr. Ronald Krieg (Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Germany)

Abstract: In arid and semi-arid environments reliable estimates are necessary for sustainable evaluation of available water resources, especially for groundwater recharge as the main source of replenishment of water resources. Groundwater recharge is mostly defined as the process when infiltrated water reaches the aquifer. It is almost impossible to measure recharge directly. Therefore recharge is usually estimated by indirect methods. The accuracy of the indirect methods is difficult to determine and consequently recharge should be estimated by the use of multiple methods and the results compared.


Chemometric methods

Date / Time: Tuesday, 13. December 2016, 16:00 – 17:30

Lecturer: Prof. Jonathan Laronne (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev - BGU, Israel)

Abstract:

To bring along:


Hydrogeology

Date / Time: Wednesday, 14. December 2016, 08:30 – 17:30

Lecturer: Dr. Ronald Krieg (Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Germany), Dr. Stefan Geyer (Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Germany), Prof. Jonathan Laronne (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev - BGU, Israel)

Abstract: During the field trip to Wadi Zerkqa Ma'in practical field methods will be trained in groups. The participants will measure runoff by different methods (e.g. flow meaurements, salt tracer measurements) as well as determine a variety of water parameters.

To bring along: Sturdy shoes, clothing that may get dirty, sunscreen, hat.


Evaluation of Winter School / Closing

Date / Time: Thursday, 15. December 2016, 08:30 – 10:30