Following the example of earlier, highly successful Euroconferences on Rock Physics and Geomechanics (held most recently in Kijkduin, The Netherlands, 2003; Potsdam, Germany, 2004; Oleron, France 2005) , our aim will be to bring together earth scientists from different academic and industrial environments dealing with rock physics and geomechanics . The theme of the 2007 Euro-Conference in Erice will be more specifically focussed on applying Rock Physics and Geomechanics knowledge to the coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes controlling natural hazards events, with particular emphasis on earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The programme will include a mixture of keynote lectures on theoretical models, laboratory experiments and field studies aiming to Natural Hazards mitigation and other Geotechnical applications. The session themes will focus on:
- Fault structure and mechanics: from the laboratory to exploratory drilling of major faults
- Fault healing, sealing and rupture process: observations and modelling.
- Reservoir characterization, stimulation and geothermal energy
- Rock deformation and coupled processes in rocks: observations and modelling
- Fracture and flow in volcanic areas and physical properties of volcanic rock
- Scaling laws: from microcracks to fracture networks
Euro-conference of Rock Physics and Geomechanics