Portrait

GeoSphere Austria makes an important contribution to increasing national resilience and crisis resistance and contributes to a precautionary approach to climate change, its consequences and Austria’s sustainable development.

As the national geological, geophysical, climatological and meteorological service, GeoSphere Austria is responsible for advising the federal government and warning the public on geological, geophysical, climatological and meteorological matters. GeoSphere Austria contributes in the following areas:

  • To increase overall national resilience and crisis resilience.
  • To improve the operational readiness of authorities and emergency organisations in the event of a disaster.
  • To safeguard Austria’s geological, geophysical, climatological and meteorological foundations of life and the economy.
  • To deal with climate change and its consequences in a precautionary manner.
  • For the sustainable development of Austria.

Our name: GeoSphere Austria

The name GeoSphere is based on its most important task: the comprehensive consideration of the Earth system (the geosphere) with all its spheres and their interactions. Only by taking this holistic view, starting from the solid earth, through the atmosphere and out into space, and including climate change, can the course be set for the future. This is what the name GeoSphere Austria stands for.

From data to models and forecasts

Systematically and sustainably collected data, based on nationwide meteorological and geophysical measurement networks and observatories, form the basis for models and forecasts to answer current questions at the interface between the atmosphere and the subsurface. These concern climate change, extreme weather events and natural hazards as well as sustainable raw material extraction and groundwater protection. As the national centre for climate research and public services, GeoSphere Austria therefore makes a significant contribution to overcome key social challenges of the 21st century.

Geology

From the Earth’s development history, composition, and structure to the distribution and properties of rocks, as well as groundwater resources, raw materials, and geogenic natural hazards.

Geophysics

Geophysics is concerned with the study of the Earth's internal structure. It enables the exploration of the planet's hidden layers and the mapping of complex subsurface structures. In addition, geophysics investigates the interactions between the Earth and outer space, spanning impressive timescales—from milliseconds to thousands of years.

Climatology

Climatology is the scientific study of Earth’s climate, defined as the typical state of the atmosphere over long periods, ranging from decades to millions of years, in interaction with bodies of water, landmasses, ice surfaces, and living organisms. Climate not only shapes natural environments but also has a decisive influence on natural resources, overall economic development, and society in sectors such as agriculture and forestry, infrastructure, health, and many others.

Meteorology

Meteorology deals with all processes in the atmosphere, particularly those that are directly or indirectly related to the weather. It deals with weather phenomena of different sizes and impacts, ranging from downslope winds in a valley to violent storms. Important applications include weather forecasting, weather warnings, and the spread of pollutants.