Geophysical Monitoring in Geothermal Systems
30 June – 4 July 2025
The EASYGO-ON Training Week focuses on geophysical monitoring in geothermal systems, teaching students key techniques like seismics and electromagnetics for geothermal exploration and energy production. The program includes theoretical sessions, networking, student presentations, and a field visit.
Image Credits: Walvis Mosmans
Keywords: Geothermal Energy, Geophysical Monitoring, Energy Storage, Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Geothermal Research & Exploration
Location
ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Participants
The course is designed for students, interested in geothermal energy, especially the operational aspects. A geoscientific or engineering background and statistical and numerical skills would be beneficial but not necessary.
Priority will be given to PhD students from the IDEA League and ENHANCE Network universities; however, we always have seats for advanced MSc students, students from other universities, or at similar levels in industry.
Expenses
Food and accommodation are covered; travel expenses are on the participants.
Requirements
-Curriculum vitae & publication list
-Letter of motivation
-Supervisor recommendation (optional)
This summer school is part of the EASYGO-ON Training Weeks, a series of annual training programs hosted by IDEA League universities, focusing on key aspects of geothermal operations. This edition emphasizes geophysical monitoring as a critical tool for ensuring the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of geothermal energy production. Geophysical monitoring methods, including a large variety of techniques (e.g., seismics and electromagnetics), play a vital role in geothermal exploration and production, in tracking fluid movement, detecting induced seismicity, and assessing subsurface reservoir performance. Designing appropriate monitoring networks and making sensible choices of the various monitoring options is a non-trivial task, and will thus form the core part of this training week.
Participants will engage in an intensive five-day program, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on applications. The curriculum includes two days of topic-specific training, covering advanced geophysical monitoring strategies, followed by a networking day with alumni, industry experts, and student presentations (oral and poster). A field visit will provide insights into real-world geothermal research projects and operations, while soft skills training will prepare students for interdisciplinary collaboration in the field.
By integrating geophysical monitoring with broader aspects of geothermal reservoir characterization, energy storage, surface infrastructure, and shallow geothermal applications, this summer school aims to equip participants with the skills needed to contribute to the future of sustainable geothermal energy.
Schedule
DAY 1. TOPIC TRAINING
DAY 2. TOPIC TRAINING
DAY 3. NETWORKING, STUDENT PRESENTATION, INDUSTRY, ALUMNI
DAY 4. FIELD TRIP (Bedretto visit)
DAY 5. SOFT SKILLS
Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to achieve the following Learning Objectives (LO):
- LO1 Describe and critically evaluate different geophysical concepts for monitoring geothermal systems under operation.
- LO2 Assess the strengths and weaknesses of each concept.
- LO3 Design simple monitoring concepts for different applications.
- LO4 Present own scientific work related to geothermal energy research.