SpannEnD – a 3D geomechanical model of Germany for the prediction of the recent crustal stress state

Abstract 1000 × 1250  km2, covering Germany and nearby regions. It contains 22 geological units, each parameterized with individual properties (density, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio). We assume linear elasticity, and the finite element method is used to solve the equilibrium of forces. The model is calibrated with horizontal stress magnitude records and validated with additional data, for example, vertical stress magnitudes or data of the WSM project. Our model results are in a good agreement with a mean orientation of the maximum horizontal stress (S Hmax ∘. Furthermore, the model results lie entirely within the standard deviation of the derived orientation of S Hmax S Hmin S Hmax also show a good agreement. The model results can be used, for example, for the calculation of fracture potential, for slip tendency analyses or as boundary conditions for smaller local models. For smaller model volumes, where little or no stress information is available, it provides synthetic stress magnitude data that can be used for calibration. As such, the model provides a valuable starting point for the detailed assessment of stability at yet-to-be-determined siting regions for a high-level nuclear waste repository.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: SpannEnD – a 3D geomechanical model of Germany for the prediction of the recent crustal stress state ; volume:2 ; year:2023 ; pages:59-59 ; extent:1 ; Safety of nuclear waste disposal ; 2 (2023), 59-59 (gesamt 1)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Ahlers, Steffen ; Reiter, Karsten ; Hergert, Tobias ; Henk, Andreas ; Röckel, Luisa ; Morawietz, Sophia ; Heidbach, Oliver ; Ziegler, Moritz O. ; Müller, Birgit

Further information

• DOI: 10.5194/sand-2-59-2023
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2023090704151426852021
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:49 AM CEST