INITIATE · Climate tectonics interactions using big data-informed models

Earth topography and its subsurface are the result of complex interactions between tectonics and climate. Sediments in the shallow subsurface contain vital resources including water and energy that are crucial for mankind. They also provide temporary and longterm waste and energy storage. At the same time active deformation and rapid climate change interact posing significant risk for natural hazards such as debris flow, hillslope instabilities, and active faulting. The objective of the INITIATE doctoral network is (1) to fill key knowledge gaps how climate tectonics interactions on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales control distribution of sediments, landscape stability, and geohazards using big-data informed models, and (2) to improve urgently needed training in linking large data sets to deterministic forward models and machine learning. The training of a pool of DCs provides an excellent capacity building for the next generation of geoscientists. Combined training in large data, modelling, and entrepreneurial skills will prepare the DCs to create their own start-up business at the end of the project and / or be employed in industry or academia.