Climate-induced geohazards mitigation, management, and education in Japan, South Korea, and Norway (GEOMME)

Climate-driven geohazards, including landslides, floods, and snow avalanches, are escalating challenges in the GEOMME partner countries of Japan, South Korea, and Norway. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of future geohazard events, and demographic shifts and infrastructure development are further increasing the societal exposure. The GEOMME partnership fosters international collaboration in education and research with the goal of enhancing the adaptive capacity of the partner nations to cope with these hazards. The partnership focuses on four scientific topics (one each year): (I) geohazards in a changing climate (2022), (II) large-scale modelling of geohazards (2023), (III) monitoring and early-warning systems (2024), and (IV) green solutions for hazard and risk mitigation (2025). These topics form the thematic areas of collaboration and are identified based on the expertise of the partners, the unique research infrastructure available in each institute, and perceived knowledge gaps. The core consortium in the GEOMME partnership consists of: (1) Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) (2) University of Tromsø (3) Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) (4) Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) (5) National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED) (6) Research Institute for Natural Hazards and Disaster Recovery at Niigata University. The partners are joined by Aurland Municipality to increase relevance of activities in Norway. Each institute contributes unique contextual and technical expertise on complementary aspects of climate-driven geohazards and risk management. The GEOMME partners have developed and conducted three courses for graduate students and practitioners focusing on the first three scientific topics (I, II & III). All courses were co-developed by the partners and have featured a combination of lectures, assignments, and practical field-based exercises. The first GEOMME course, entitled “Geohazards in a changing climate,” was hosted over two weeks at the University of Tromsø (Norway) in August 2022. The course included 12 students and 14 experts, participating both as attendees and lecturers. The course focused on topics such as climate change in Norway, the role of climate in geohazard regimes, mitigation, and nature-based solutions. The second course, “Modelling of gravitational mass flows over large areas,” was hosted in Niigata, Japan by Niigata University and NIED. The course brought together 16 students and practitioner participants with 18 experts over a two-week period in November 2023. Topics included: Introduction to natural hazards in Japan, Snow avalanche & debris flow modelling, interactions with structures, Large-scale approaches to hazard mapping, and quantitative risk assessment. Activities took advantage of the unique context of Japan and introduced participants to both technical and social aspects of hazard and risk management. The third course was hosted in Daejeon, South Korea, by KAIST and KIGAM in June 2024. The course, titled “Detection, Prediction, and Mitigation of Landslides and Debris Flows Applying Advanced Technologies,” brought together 17 students and 20 experts to focus on the monitoring and early-warning systems for landslide hazards. Topics included: (1) design and implementation of landslide early-warning systems, (2) photogrammetry, hyperspectral imaging, and other forms of remote sensing, (3) applications of machine learning for landslide susceptibility mapping, and (4) optimization of hazard mitigation measures. Classroom activities were complemented by an excursion to real-world sites and testing facilities. The content for three thematic modules was developed in association with each course. The modules were implemented as a pre-study tool for each course, serving to level-set a diverse group of students, including engineers and geoscientists. The consortium is working to make the module content available online, starting in late 2024. Additional activities have so far included: • Project kick-off meeting in Autumn 2021 • Three workshops and excursions – Aurland Municipality and western Norway in 2022, Niigata and the surrounding area in Japan in 2023, and central and eastern portions of South Korea in 2024. These events were held in association with the GEOMME courses. • 11 technical webinars with upwards of 30 participants which have included guests from institutes outside of the core partnership. • 17 exchanges for researchers, students, and other institute representatives to develop joint research activities, publications, and formalize institutional-level collaboration. • Representation at conferences – both educational and technical sessions • Early-stage collaboration for joint proposals for spinout R&D projects The final GEOMME course is currently under planning for 2025.

The GEOMME international partnership for Climate-induced geohazards mitigation, management, and education coalesces international expertise in research and education from South Korea, Japan, and Norway. The partnership focuses on excellence in education and research to increase societal resilience against climate-induced geohazards. Geohazards are geological and environmental conditions that may lead to loss of life and widespread damage. They include floods, landslides, debris flows, rockfalls and avalanches, among others. Geohazards can have devastating impacts on society, affecting population, economy, industry, cultural heritage, and the natural environment. Climate change is amplifying the risk to population and infrastructure, with generally wetter and warmer weather and more intense and frequent precipitation. New developments in mountainous areas increase societal exposure. Transport infrastructure (roads, railways, bridges) are particularly vulnerable as the networks traverse regions exposed to geohazards. GEOMME identifies four areas for scientific advancement in geohazard research and education (termed 'progression domains', PD): PD1: Geohazards and risk in a changing climate, PD2: Geohazards and risk over large spatial scales, PD3: Advanced simulations, modelling, and monitoring of geohazards, and PD4: Green solutions in hazard- and riskmitigation practice. The PDs form the thematic areas of collaboration and are identified based on the expertise of the Partners, the unique research infrastructure available in each institute, and perceived knowledge gaps. The GEOMME partnership will enable exchange of knowledge and ideas, research collaboration, training, and graduate education. GEOMME will develop four courses, one from each PD, and integrate aspects of research, experience, and field-based teaching and learning. Activities will rotate from one country to the other and will focus on the thematic PDs.