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Rome, Italy. September 26, 2024. After nearly 10 years of preparatory activities, funded over the last four years by the EU COST Association through AGITHAR, the Global Tsunami Model (GTM) Association has been formally established with the signing of the Articles of Association by 18 founding experts from Croatia, Italy, France, Germany, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkiye, and UK.
Chaired by Jörn Behrens, Professor of Numerical Methods in Geosciences at Universität Hamburg, this international organisation unites leading experts in tsunami hazard modelling and risk assessment, and training programs. The GTM founding members, along with their scientific networks and institutions, including Universität Hamburg, GFZ-Potsdam, National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), University of Málaga, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), University College London, University of Lisbon, University "Federico II" of Naples, Gebze Technical University-MARTEST, Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (KOERI), Ruđer Bošković Institute, and French National Institute for Ocean Science and Technology (Ifremer) bring decades of expertise in disaster risk reduction and mitigation strategies. GTM is officially registered in Bremen, Germany. Many additional institutions from around the globe (e.g. from Japan, Chile, USA, Australia) have provided letters of interest and are expected to join GTM soon.
Through collaboration with global institutions like the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) Foundation, GTM will promote scientific research, particularly in advancing tsunami knowledge and strategies to mitigate tsunami risks and provide tailored products and training programs depending on users’ requirements. The association aims to enhance science through research, education, knowledge transfer, and outreach, ensuring a broader understanding and application of tsunami hazard mitigation techniques.
The Lisbon Workshop and the GTM PTHA model
A key milestone in formalising the GTM Association was the two-day workshop held in Lisbon earlier this year. Similar to previous meetings, experts from around the world gathered to discuss essential aspects of tsunami hazard modelling, data sharing, and collaboration. However, this workshop also laid the groundwork for GTM's structure and mission, with contributions from key global partners, including GEM, which shared insights from its experience in governance, and product development focused on seismic hazard and risk modelling.
One key outcome of the Lisbon workshop was the endorsement of the new Global Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Assessment (PTHA) as the flagship GTM product. The GTM PTHA is being realised within the framework of the European project ChEESE, and it is expected to become a reference for tsunami risk management.
The formation of the GTM Association marks an exciting new phase in global disaster risk management, recognising the complexities of tsunami hazards and their interconnections with other natural hazards, such as earthquakes and landslides.
Collaborations for a Safer Future
The GTM Association welcomes global partnerships from individuals and institutions and remains committed to building on the strengths of its founding members. Positioned to lead international efforts, the association aims to enhance the accuracy and accessibility of tsunami hazard and risk models, driving forward a safer, more resilient future for vulnerable coastal communities worldwide.
