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Messverfahren in MOSAIC

MOSAIC

Model Driven Site Assessment, Information and Control 

Contact Person: Dr. Ulrike Werban

MOSAIC is a comprehensive research platform for model-driven near-surface assessment, connecting scientists from different fields and study areas.


The implementation of MOSAIC aims to enhance the capabilities and expertise of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ in the investigation and observation of natural and anthropogenically influenced systems. The innovative mapping and monitoring technologies of MOSAIC enable high-resolution surveys of complex subsurface structures and processes.

The basic concept of MOSAIC is founded on the combination of already existing, non-invasive methods in areas such as drilling, geophysical measurements, and analytical methods. In addition to advanced Direct Push technologies and a borehole logging unit, there is also a field lab and a mobile floating platform available.

MOSAIC is a new platform for research in the areas of groundwater, soil, and biodiversity, aiming to achieve a quantum leap in the quality, efficiency, and speed of test site investigations.

  • Development of monitoring and exploration technologies
  • Parameterization of environmental system for process studies
  • Platform for joint research of UFZ with universities and other research institutions
  • Technology transfer (summer schools, pilot studies)
  • direct push-driven technologies (e.g., in situ imaging)
  • Geophysical surfaces methods (e.g. seismics, geoelectrics, electromagnetic induction, georadar),
  • Tomographic and borehole methods (e.g. hydraulic, georadar, seismic, geoelectrics)
  • Hydrogeological methods (e.g. pumping tests, tracer tests)
  • Methods of onsite analysis.
Alternatively to traditional site investigation approaches, there is the adaptive approach, which involves applying a dynamic working plan during site investigation. This approach bases the definition of investigation steps, as well as the applied methodology and technology, on the results of the previous investigation steps. This procedure, with dynamic working plans, real-time analysis of investigation results (e.g., chemical analyses of obtained samples), and on-site decision-making, offers clear advantages compared to the traditional approach. For example, results are obtained faster, with fewer resources and higher quality, because the best of all suitable methods/technologies can be adaptively selected, and the number of sampling points can be reduced through optimization. However, a prerequisite for such a procedure is that a suitable pool of methods/technologies is available and applicable.
Adaptive site investigation approach

Examples of application are, among others, characterization of mega sites, investigation of catchment areas, characterization of aquifers, investigation and remediation of mining lakes, investigation of contaminated sites.