Geophysics
Through collaboration with national and regional partners, the Geophysics Expert Group provides the knowledge and expertise needed to understand Europe’s subsurface and support evidence-based decisions for a more sustainable future.
The Geophysics Expert Group (GpEG)
The ground beneath our feet holds answers to many of the biggest questions facing Europe today. As we work towards climate change mitigation, energy transition, and sustainable resource management, knowing what lies below the surface is more important than ever.
Geophysics offers a unique set of tools and methods to investigate and monitor the subsurface-without disturbing it. From mapping groundwater reserves and geothermal energy potential to supporting carbon capture and storage, urban development, and hazard assessment, geophysics plays a central role. Its applications reach far beyond traditional exploration: today, it is a critical asset for both climate adaptation and resilience planning.
To fully realise the benefits of geophysics, we need consistent, high-quality, and accessible data-across borders and disciplines. This is where the Geophysics Expert Group (GpEG) comes in. With a network of more than 800 geophysicists from 25 countries, GpEG connects national Geological Survey Organisations, academic researchers, and industrial stakeholders to share knowledge, define standards, and build harmonised, pan-European datasets.
As a result, geophysics is positioned as a key contributor to the European Green Deal targets, especially the goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. High-resolution data and geophysical insight are essential for planning and policy across a range of sectors, from energy and infrastructure to environmental protection and risk mitigation.
This work requires investment, cooperation, and expertise – but the return is significant:
- Data that supports informed decision-making at national and EU levels
- Better planning for renewable energy, resource management, and urban growth
- Increased resilience to natural and human-induced hazards
- Strengthened links between scientific research and practical applications
Ultimately, a strong geophysical knowledge base supports not just the geological community, but all of society – helping Europe to plan, adapt and thrive in a changing world.
The vision of the GpEG is to be recognised as a key European network providing the expertise and coordination needed to support the long-term use and development of geophysical data for societal benefit, in line with the EU’s environmental and energy goals.
The Geophysics Expert Group brings together expertise in a wide range of geophysical techniques – on land, at sea, and in the air. Working across spatial and temporal scales, the group ensures the data and tools available are fit for purpose, aligned with modern needs, and rooted in scientific excellence.
From facilitating collaboration to developing geophysical standards, the GpEG helps build the foundation needed to manage Europe’s subsurface sustainably and responsibly.
| Position | Country | Survey | Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chair | Austria | GeoSphere Austria | Robert Supper |
| Deputy Chair | Denmark and Greenland | GEUS | Torben Bach |