Workshop Call: PROTEA (Klerksdorp, South Africa)

Workshop PROTEA:
Probing the heart of an earthquake and life in the deep subsurface

WHEN 📆 16-17 October 2025 (Klerksdorp, South Africa) and online

CALL ▶️ Probing the heart of an earthquake and life in the deep subsurface

TENTATIVE AGENDA ▶️Probing the heart of an earthquake and life in the deep subsurface

MINE VISIT ▶️Additional opportunity for Moab Khotsong mine underground visit

MORE INFO ℹ️ https://www.icdp-online.org/projects/by-continent/africa/protea-south-africa/

ICDP-PROTEA (Probing the heart of an earthquake and life in the deep subsurface) is proposed to examine the nucleation site of the M5.5 earthquake and the microbial ecosystem in and around the brine fissure in a deep South Africa gold mine. It will also conduct a seismic structure survey using a 3D network deployed along tunnels and in boreholes. PROTEA is driven by key questions related to seismogenesis and deep life, including:

1. How do variations in the mechanical properties and conditions along faults affect earthquake nucleation, propagation, and termination?
2. How do interactions between continental and mantle-derived rocks and fluids, under the pressure-temperature conditions at or below natural seismogenic zones, generate rheological diversity?
3. What is the extent of microbial ecosystem diversity in an environment that simulates the expected Martian underground conditions?

Application Instructions: Submit the application form following the link: https://forms.gle/Qzo7sebgGHve3UTB6: Contact details and a summary of relevant expertise and intended contribution (max. 2000 chars) are required.

Deadline: August 10, 2025
Question/Inquiries: icdp-protea(at)ml.tohoku.ac.jp