Project director:
Tel: +49 431 600-2334
E-Mail: hkopp@geomar.de
Project scientific coordination:
Tel: +49 431 600-233
E-Mail: rbenavides@geomar.de
MULTI-MAREX: A living lab for improved forecasting and possible actions for multiple extreme geomarine events
The MULTI-MAREX joint project will create a living lab for investigating extreme geological events and associated hazards in order to develop the knowledge required to deal with these hazards at various levels.
As part of the research mission 'Marine Extreme Events and Natural Hazards' of the German Marine Research Alliance (DAM), the joint project MULTI-MAREX will establish a living lab for the investigation of marine geological extreme events and associated hazards in Greece. Extreme geomarine events, including earthquakes and volcanogenic or seismogenic tsunamis and their cascading events, have serious short- and long-term consequences for coastal communities. Early warning and disaster prevention pose both societal and political challenges for which the joint project is developing the necessary expertise to deal with these hazards at various levels.
GEOMAR is responsible for communication and coordination between the partner institutions of the joint project, the stakeholders and the German Alliance for Marine Research DAM, as well as with the funding organisations. Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel together with the project management and project coordinator.
Extreme geomarine events, including volcanogenic or seismogenic tsunamis and earthquakes, as well as their cascading events, have serious short- and long-term consequences for coastal communities. Early warning and disaster prevention represent both societal and political challenges, which MULTI-MAREX aims to address by establishing a living lab in Greece.
Immense changes in the natural environment through interaction with and modification by human activities over the last 250 years have led to increased vulnerability of the infrastructure, the economy and the affected population.
We not only want to characterise geological processes such as seaquakes, volcanism, but also flank stability and tsunamis more clearly, but also ensure more effective early warning.
Together with researchers from various disciplines who work closely with the authorities and the local population in the sense of co-design, we will develop protective measures so that not only the coastal communities but also the tourist centres are effectively protected from extreme events.
Through our research and our commitment to the transfer of knowledge and technology, we make a significant contribution to preserving the function and protection of the ocean for future generations.
Project duration: 01st Jan 2024 - 31st. Dec 2026
For detailed project information as well as news and events please visit our project official website: www.multi-marex.de
Press release of the third DAM research mission mareXtreme: Link
Press release of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel: Link
Aktuelles:
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Methana Magmatic Observational Experiment (MeMaX)
Mach 17th, 2024
Volcanoes without real-time instrumental monitoring may exhibit undetected signs of internal activity.
The Methana Magmatic Observational Experiment (MeMaX) investigates seismic processes on the Methana Peninsula to detect hidden magmatic movements at an early stage.
As part of MULTI-MAREX, research outcomes are shared with decision-makers from science, policy, and disaster management. The high-resolution seismic data can help to enhance existing monitoring systems and identify potential hazards from volcanic activity or seismically induced tsunamis at an early stage.
About the publication:
Föst J.-P., Ritter J.R.R., Evangelidis C.P., Sokos E., Richter N., Reicherter K.R. (2024). Methana Magmatic Observational Experiment (MeMaX) – seismological monitoring of magmatic and tectonic activity in the western Saronic Gulf region, Greece. Annals of Geophysics, 68. https://doi.org/10.4401/ag-9155
Föst J.-P., Richter N., Ritter J. (2024). Methana Magmatic Observational Experiment (MeMaX). GFZ Data Services. Dataset/Seismic Network. https://doi.org/10.14470/6N477343
Congratulations to our Early Career Scientists on their publications!
Read more and updated information on our official blog: LINK
MULTI-MAREX Rapid Response Team reaction to seismic events around Santorini
07. February 2024
Read more and updated information on our official blog: LINK
A cluster of weak to moderate earthquakes is currently recorded around Santorini. The seismic activity is concentrated in the area between the islands of Santorini and Amorgos, with a center around 25 kilometers northeast of Santorini. MULTI-MAREX scientists are assessing the current events and have sent a rapid response team to Santorini.
Against this backdrop, MULTI-MAREX launched a Rapid Response Mission on February 2nd. Together with our Greek partners, we are on site to install instruments on the seafloor and in Santorini’s caldera to monitor the seismic activity.
The objective of the MULTI-MAREX monitoring efforts is to record and accurately quantify the number, location, and magnitude of the earthquakes. Over the coming days, we will be able to assess whether the recent increase in magnitudes and the intensity of the earthquake sequence will continue or diminish. As long as seismic activity persists, there is an elevated risk of landslides, particularly along steep coastal areas. Very strong earthquakes—significantly more intense than those recorded so far—could also generate tsunami waves. Potential warning messages from the Greek authorities are sent directly to mobile devices via cell broadcast, provided that emergency notifications are enabled.
Read more and updated information on our official blog: LINK
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MULTI-MAREX Launches Rapid Response Mission on Santorini.
04. February 2025
Starting on January 24, 2025, an increase in weak to moderately strong earthquakes has been recorded in and around Santorini, similar to the events observed in 2011 and 2012. Unlike the previous episode, however, the current seismic activity is concentrated on the seafloor between the islands of Santorini and Amorgos
These current tremors are predominantly caused by tectonic processes. The numerous fault zones on the seafloor are activated by tectonic stresses along the plate boundary between the African and Eurasian plates. These ongoing processes are the cause of the widespread volcanism in the region, including Santorini. Many people in the region perceive the shaking as mild vibrations; thus far, no significant damage has been reported. The strongest earthquake to date reached a magnitude of 5.1 on February 4 and occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometers.
Against this backdrop, MULTI-MAREX launched a Rapid Response Mission on February 2nd.
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Latest news:
News alert on Santorini earthquakes
MULTI-MAREX Launches Rapid Response Mission on Santorini
04. February 2025
Starting on January 24, 2025, an increase in weak to moderately strong earthquakes has been recorded in and around Santorini, similar to the events observed in 2011 and 2012. Unlike the previous episode, however, the current seismic activity is concentrated on the seafloor between the islands of Santorini and Amorgos
These current tremors are predominantly caused by tectonic processes. The numerous fault zones on the seafloor are activated by tectonic stresses along the plate boundary between the African and Eurasian plates. These ongoing processes are the cause of the widespread volcanism in the region, including Santorini. Many people in the region perceive the shaking as mild vibrations; thus far, no significant damage has been reported. The strongest earthquake to date reached a magnitude of 5.1 on February 4 and occurred at a depth of about 10 kilometers.
Against this backdrop, MULTI-MAREX launched a Rapid Response Mission on February 2nd.
MULTI-MAREX cooperation partners (in alphabetical order):
Associated partners:
3. DAM Mission mareXtreme
