This paper reviews experimental analogue modelling approaches to earthquakes and seismic cycles on timescales from seconds (rupture dynamics) to millions of years (tectonics). Over the last century experiments developed from simple spring-slider and fault block models to seismotectonic scale models. Based on recent advances in material characterization and monitoring techniques, analogue models today are able to simulate the seismotectonic evolution of the earth in various tectonic settings.

We have modelled airborne electromagnetic data in order to correct bias in magnetotelluric data caused by very near-surface resistivity variations. Doing so recovers structures that match boreholes in the area more closely. This research is part of an exploration project looking at geothermal resources, and improved accuracy in modelling translates directly to more confidence in resources assessments.

First, we report the following discovery: T values are spatially heterogeneous, and a minimum of three criteria should be considered instead of only a single criterion in karst areas. In fact, our findings disprove the old “one region, one T value” concept. Second, we proposed a new viewpoint: in karst regions, a large soil erosion modulus does not correspond to severe soil erosion. Although T value can reflect soil sensitivity, this value cannot indicate soil erosion risk.

Pre-investigation for tunnelling below water passages is a challenging task with the main objective of locating fracture zones that lead to low rock quality and thus reduced stability. An inversion approach was tested that combines different geophysical methods to improve the reliability of the results. A fracture zone and previously unknown sedimentary deposits were successfully detected. Synthetic studies pointed out the importance of 3-D effects and model resolution properties.

The aim of this study is to relate the potential of land for a particular use in a given region with the actual land use. To this aim, the impact of several land cover flows related to urban development on soils with good, average, and poor production potentials were assessed and mapped. Thus, the amount and quality (potential for agricultural production) of agricultural land lost between the years 2000 and 2006 and the regions with major impact (hot spots) in Europe were identified.

The 1 February 2014 eruption of the Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador) was the second largest one since the re-awakening in 1999. The eruption showed precursory signs only 48 h before the eruption. The main explosions produced a 13 km eruptive column and pyroclastic density currents that reached the base of the volcano. Here we document the deposits related to the eruption and infer eruption mechanisms and transport processes.