Date: October 6th – 8th 2025
Time: 9:00 – 17:00
Location: Geozentrum Hannover, Stilleweg 2, 30655 Hannover, Germany
Instructors
Pritam Yogeshwar (LIAG Hannover)
Katrin Schwalenberg (BGR Hannover)
Xavier Garcia (CSIC Barcelona)
Mike Müller-Petke (LIAG Hannover)
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Arne Lohrberg (Kiel University)
Bettina Schramm (BGR Hannover)
Description
The 3-Day Training School will provide on overview of geophysical methods, in particular marine controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) / electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and seismics / hydroacoustic for offshore freshened groundwater (OFG) characterisation. Starting from the general problem definition of OFG emplacement, we will explain the basic principles of each method. Participants will learn in classroom style about instrumentation, measurements at sea, data collection, data processing and interpretation. We will provide practical CSEM / ERT modelling and inversion exercises of simple OFG scenarios and seismic interpretation exercises. There will be also possibilities for lab-demonstrations of marine seismic and EM equipment.
Objectives
- Introduction of the general OFG setting and geophysical exploration goal
- Overview and basic principles of geophysical tools and methods for OFG charcterisation including, CSEM and ERT, seismics and hydroacoustics
- Lectures on instrumentation, data acquisition, data examples, data analysis and interpretation of each method, and identification of challenges and innovations
- Practical modelling exercises with CSEM / ERT data using open source software
- Practical interpretation exercises of seismic data
- Technical demonstrations of marine seismic and CSEM /ERT equipment (for BGR)
- Excursion to BGR’s airborne facility in Hildesheim
Please note that participants will have to bring with them their own laptop to perform the interactive part of the training school.
Tentative Agenda
Day 1: Monday, 06. October 2025
9:00 – 17:00
Morning | ||
09:00 – 09:45 | Welcome, Tour de table, Introduction, Purpose, Expectations of the Training School | Katrin Schwalenberg and all |
10:00 – 11:30 | Session 1: Introduction of OFG Setting, OFG Exploration Goal, Examples, Case Studies | Katrin Schwalenberg |
11:30 – 13:00 | Session 2: Overview marine geophysical tools and methods, basic principles | Katrin Schwalenberg and others |
13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch | |
14:00 – 15:30 | Session 3: Lecture on marine ERT / CSEM methods and case studies | Mike Müller-Petke, Katrin Schwalenberg |
15:45 – 17:00 | Session 4: Practical exercises I: ERT data analysis and numerical interpretation | Mike Müller-Petke |
Day 2, Tuesday, 07 October 2025
09:00 – 17:00
Morning | ||
09:00 – 09:15 | Feedback of Day 1 | Katrin Schwalenberg and all |
09:30 – 11:00 | Session 1: Practical exercises II: CSEM data analysis and numerical interpretation | Pritam Yogeshwar, Katrin Schwalenberg |
11:00 – 12:30 | Session 2: Lecture on marine seismics methods and principles, examples | Bettina Schramm |
12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch | |
13:30 – 15:00 | Session 3: Field demonstration: Land ERT and seismic | LIAG |
15:30 – 17:00 | Session 4: Lecture on data integration and joint inversion of seismic and ERT/ EM data | Xavier Garcia |
Day 3, Wednesday, 08 October 2025
9:00 – 16:00
Morning | ||
09:00 – 09:15 | Feedback of Day 1 and 2 | Katrin Schwalenberg and all |
09:30 – 10:30 | Session 1: Group work | |
11:00 – 12:30 | Session 2: Lecture on hydroacoustic methods and principles. Geophysical case study from the German North Sea | Arne Lohrberg |
12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch | |
13:30 – 15:00 | Session 3: Tour of BGR’s marine geophysical facilities | All |
15:30 – 17:00 | Session 4: Airborne electromagnetic methods and case studies | TBD |
Day 4, Thursday, 09. October 2025
08:30 – 16:00
Excursion (Optional)
Excursion to BGR’s airborne facility in Hildesheim (30 km south of Hannover).
- Start: 08:30, Bus Transfer from BGR
- Tour of BGR’s Research Helicopter Sikorsky S76B including sensors, presentation of case studies
- Lunch in Hildesheim (pay your own!)
- Visit of the City and/or UNESCO World Heritages Sites (Cathedral and St. Michaelis Church)
- Return to Hannover BGR: ca. 15:30
Application
Participation will be determined based on the expressed research interest and background in geophysics and OFG studies, as indicated in the application form, as well as the availability of spots.
Application is open from 20 August 2025 until 12 September 2025. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance during the week after the end of the registration.
Selected participants will receive funding according to COST Rules. OFF-SOURCE is not responsible for any travel or accommodation bookings.
Travel and Hotel Information Hannover
Local Travel
- To and from Hannover Airport
The easiest way is by Local Train S5, which leaves the Airport from Terminal C every 30min, and is a 18min ride to Hannover Main Station (Hauptbahnhof), see schedule S5. You need a ticket for zones A&B ( single Ticket 4,50 €), which you can buy from the machine located at each platform.
- From the Main Station to BGR
From the Main Station to BGR take tram U7 direction Misburg (schedule U7). The platform to U7 is another level down after train platform no. 15 (opposite exit for the city centre). Exit tram U7 at station Pappelwiese, which is another 17min ride from the Main Station. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/cJ8bFjNB7TYEyaVw9) . For a single trip between Hannover City and BGR you need a ticket for zone A only (single ticket 3,60€).
- At BGR / Geozentrum Hannover
BGR is the tall building to the left if you walk 100m backwards from the direction of travel. Enter the tall building and register with the clerk at the reception. You will be collected from the lobby on the first day, so please be there at 08:45.
Hotels
Here are some suggestions.
https://www.gaesteresidenz-pelikanviertel.de/en/home
https://www.hotelwaldersee.de/
https://www.hotel-finkenhof.de/index.html Meermansufer
Novotel Hannover Podbielski str.
https://m.haus-martens.de/index.php/en/
Sheraton Hannover Pelikan Hotel
or anywhere along Podbielski Str.
Meals/Catering
There is a cantina at BGR, but it is open only from 12:00 – 13:00 and accepts only payments with an in-house cash card. There are no restaurants nearby!
We will organise catering including lunch (soup and sandwiches), fruits, pastries, coffee, tea, and beverages, for which we ask you to pay directly (estimated 20 € per day). Please indicate in the form shared by email if you want to take the catering option! You are also welcome to bring your own meals.
We will also organize a joint dinner (pay your own meal) on Monday evening. Please also indicate if you wish to join and if you have any dietary requests (e.g. vegan vegetarian).
Hannover sights
New Town Hall
The New Town Hall (German: Neues Rathaus) is a town hall in Hanover, Germany. It opened on 20 June 1913 after construction lasting 12 years.[1] A magnificent, castle-like building of the era of Wilhelm II in eclectic style at the southern edge of the inner city just outside the historic city centre of Hanover, the building is embedded within the 10-hectare (25-acre) Maschpark.
Old Town
Hannover’s Old Town (Altstadt) is known for its cobblestone streets and beautifully restored half-timbered houses. Highlights include the impressive Marktkirche (Market Church) and the Old Town Hall, both fine examples of Gothic architecture. The quaint Kramerstraße is lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants. Notable landmarks like the Leibniz House reflect the city’s intellectual heritage. Though much was rebuilt after World War II, the Old Town retains a cozy, medieval atmosphere.
Maschsee
The Maschsee is a large artificial lake in the heart of Hannover, popular for recreation and relaxation. Surrounded by parks and walking paths, it offers activities like boating, jogging, cycling, and skating. In summer, the Maschseefest draws crowds with live music, food stalls, and cultural events. The scenic lakefront is perfect for picnics or enjoying sunsets. Whether for sports or leisure, the Maschsee is a beloved green oasis that brings locals and visitors together year-round.
Herrenhausen Barock Gardens
The Herrenhausen Baroque Gardens are among the finest in Europe, showcasing stunning symmetry, fountains, and artistic landscaping. Created in the 17th century, they reflect classical French garden design, inspired by Versailles. Highlights include the Great Fountain, elegant sculptures, and the restored Herrenhausen Palace. The gardens also host concerts and performances, blending nature with culture. With vibrant flowerbeds, hidden groves, and historical charm, the Herrenhausen Gardens offer a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Hannover’s royal past.