TNO to study geology for underground Einstein Telescope
26 Nov 2020
The Dutch Black Hole Consortium will receive 4.9 million euros from the Dutch Research Council (NWO) within the framework of the Dutch Research Agenda. The new interdisciplinary consortium will further unravel the riddles of black holes and the mysteries of the universe. Astronomers and physicists will join forces to make new discoveries and geologists will `dive into the subsurface’ for the possible underground construction of the Einstein Telescope.
Example of a typical host rock for Einstein Telescope (Late Devonian, 370 million years ago near Trooz in Belgium)
By contributing to the development of the advanced Einstein Telescope, the consortium is preparing for future research on gravitational waves. The infrastructure for this next generation telescope will be built underground, possibly in the border region of South Limburg. As a knowledge centre of the Dutch subsurface, the Geological Survey of the Netherlands, part of TNO, will investigate this possibility. Together with the Province of Limburg and companies, it will map out the subsurface.
Together with higher education institutions, the consortium is creating new educational materials to interest people from all backgrounds, and children in particular, in science. Lead applicant, Stefan Vandoren of Utrecht University: “This is a wonderful project in which we combine research, technology and social interest.” NWO announced the award on 25 November.
The full press release can be read here.
Geological Survey of the Netherlands
In order to be able to safely dig tunnels, construct large buildings, drill for oil and gas, or store CO2 underground, you need to know precisely what is to be found below the surface. The Geological Survey... Read moreGeological Maps of the Netherlands 1918-2018
The Geological Survey of The Netherlands was founded in 1918. Cornelis Lely, Minister of Transport and Water Management, granted the commission to produce a new geological map of the country. Under the... Read more
- Mission and strategy
- Organisation
- Lead Scientists
- International
- TNO and its social role
- News
- Events
- Research on hot topics
- More about our work
- Contact
- Webinar overview
Dr. Michiel van der Meulen
Send a question to Dr. Michiel van der Meulen
Your question has been sent.
Sorry! Something unexpected happened. Please try again later.