2019-04-25
The underground rock laboratory where even the smallest quakes are of interest
A unique research facility, the "Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geoenergies", in the Bedretto valley in the Canton of Ticino is currently nearing completion. Together with national and international partners, ETH Zurich will investigate technologies and processes that should enable the safe, efficient, long-term use of geothermal energy. The Swiss Seismological Service at ETH Zurich is installing seven additional seismic stations in and around the rock laboratory. These instruments will be sensitive enough to record even the minutest tremors in the surrounding area.
The Bedretto Lab will be inaugurated on 18 May 2019. Take the opportunity to visit this unique rock laboratory and explore the history of the Alps deep inside a mountain. What's more, in front of the entrance tunnel leading to the lab you can learn more about the work that will be done there, test your knowledge by completing a rock quiz, see how core samples are produced and acquaint yourself with the various measuring systems used.
Register here for a free tour (in German or Italian).
