The westernmost part of the Czech Republic and adjacent area in Germany is known for the geodynamic activity represented by earthquake swarms and large-scale degassing of CO₂ fluids. The region is also characterized by numerous mineral springs, Tertiary/Quaternary volcanism and neotectonic crustal movements, located at the intersection of two major intraplate fault zones, the Eger Rift and the Marianske Lazne Fault. It is likely that all these phenomena are related to a common origin. Geodynamic activity, fluids and earthquake swarms represent a unique phenomenon worldwide. Currently, it is well accepted that many earthquake swarms are driven by fluids in the crust. However, it is still unknown how fluids are driving the persistent earthquake activity. Long-term monitoring is essential to understand these phenomena and their interactions and answer these questions.


Laboratory in situ to study fluid driven earthquakes and deep biosphere

Epicentres of earthquakes from 1991-2015 (red circles), CO₂ emanations (blue circles) and mofettes (violet squares). Triangle marks the Nový Kostel NK focal zone; Quaternary volcanoes indicated.

The project involves scientists from Germany, Czech Republic, United Kingdom and the USA.
Contact: T. Dahm (dahm@gfz-potsdam.de), T. Fischer (fischer@natur.cuni.cz)