In the SEISMIC RISK -Mitigation of induced seismic risk in urban environments -project, the research consortium consisting of University of Helsinki, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Geological Survey of Finland is studying how to mitigate induced seismic risk associated with deep geothermal power stations in Finland. Small-magnitude earthquakes pose a risk to critical sensitive infrastructure such as hospitals, data centres and underground construction. Risk can be mitigated with transparent permitting, seismic monitoring and regional planning. The project will publish a set of seismic hazard maps of Finland and especially of the Helsinki Capital Region and assess the potential impact of seismic waves on different parts of the capital area via3D models: shear wave tomography, conceptual soil and bedrock model. The project will study the different roles the national, regional and municipal governance in the “wicked” permitting processes. It will assess what information on induced seismicity and associated risks and at what level of detail the authorities need it.

Non peer reviewed