Interrogator for fibre-optical measurements for the surveying and monitoring of the subsurface for geothermal and storage projects (Funding of infrastrukture for research, development and innovation (InfraFEI))

With the SILIXA-Carina system, GFZ has acquired a state-of-the-art fiber interrogator. This kind of measurement equipment allows for the outstanding possibility to transformkilometer longoptical fibers into several thousand seismic sensors. The Carina system improves this technique by further increasing measurement resolution which is an essential prerequisite to characterize near-surface structures and applicable in the exploration of geothermally favorable locations as well as in seismic hazards assessment.

After test measurements on the Telegrafenberg at the GFZ campus, where the improved resolution demonstrated an increased performance, the mobile device was used in various research measurements. The GFZ spin-off FOMON investigated the possibility of monitoring traffic and infrastructure along a section of highway in the Pfalz Region (Cooperation with Autobahn West in Montabaur). In Italy, the device is currently monitoring the volcanic activity of Mount Etna (Cooperation with Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) Catania).

Funding: European Regional Development Fund (EFRE) via Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg (ILB)
Funding year: 2022
Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Charlotte Krawczyk