Context
OSMOSE builds on the S2RHAI pilot project (CNRS/IRD, 2019-2021), which used low-cost and low-maintenance “RS” seismometers to test whether public involvement could improve earthquake awareness while producing data useful to seismologists. Within the S2RHAI project, we showed that (1) these seismometers are a useful complement to a conventional seismometers for detecting earthquakes (even very small ones), (2) a demand for earthquake information exists amongst the population, as well as a pride of being part of a broad scientific experiment of the citizen hosting RS seismometers, and (3) one can use these low-cost instruments as a means to establish a dialog with citizens.
However, much work remains to be done on the incentives and barriers that make such community-based monitoring and information system efficient and sustainable.
Objectives
OSMOSE’s general objective is to determine the conditions that allow for the development and sustained support of an earthquake information system that empowers stakeholders by associating them to the information chain. In fine, the monitoring network is no longer just a set of seismometers but becomes a network of multiple stakeholders who revolve around these sensors and the information they provide.
OSMOSE’s specific objectives are to (1) produce scientifically validated seismological information with low-cost sensor involving citizens and the civil society, (2) understand perceptions, representations, and needs in relation with the earthquake problem within the local socio-cultural context, (3) define a solution for the production and dissemination of information that is relevant all stakeholders, and (4) promote local ownership and sustainability of this multi-stakeholder information system.
OSMOSE will achieve these goals through four interconnected work packages that will (1) improve real-time earthquake information based on citizen seismometers, (2) use a socio-anthropological approach to analyze the perceptions, needs, and motivations of seismometers’ hosts and other stakeholders, (3) co-define with hosts and citizens an earthquake information system adapted to their needs, and (4) communicate and educate based on the findings of previous work packages.
At the intersection of seismological and social sciences, OSMOSE will advance current research on citizen sciences that aim to strengthen the link between environment and society, and between fundamental knowledge and operational action.
Expected outcomes
- Improved seismological detection capabilities in Haiti using low-cost seismological stations, with contributions from Machine Learning techniques.
- An operational, realtime earthquake detection and display system.
- A better understanding of the perceptions, representations and needs of seismometer hosts and of the general public, throughout their socio-cultural diversity.
- Seismological information adapted – content, form, vector – to the needs of citizens and other users.
- The definition of the conditions that allow the sustainable development of a seismic monitoring and information system that empowers stakeholders by involving them in the information chain.
- A monitoring network that is no longer just a set of seismometers but becomes a multi-actor network revolving around these sensors and the information they provide?
Project organisation
- WP0: Project coordination and communication
Coordination: Eric Calais and all WP leaders
Objectives: We seek to (1) coordinate the management and execution of the 4 WPs described below, (2) monitor project advancement, (3) ensure optimal communication and interaction between WPs, (4) ensure proper communication of the project results, (5) ensure reporting to ANR, and (6) capitalize on OSMOSE’s approach to reflect on our research practices. Figure 4 summarize in a schematic way the information / interaction flow between OSMOSE’s work packages.
- WP1: Improving and Strengthening the Citizen Seismic Network in Haiti
Coordination: Françoise Courboulex (Géoazur) / Steeve Symithe (URGéo)
Objectives: We seek to improve the detection capabilities and stability of the citizen-RS network in Haiti to provide more “earthquake material” for WPs 2, 3, and 4 in the form of more RS hosts and more earthquakes detected. This will lead to a more complete catalog and more interaction opportunities with RS hosts and the general population (WPs 3 and 4). Specifically, we aim at (1) improving the detection ability of the ayiti-seismes platform, (2) strengthening the robustness of the location and magnitude determination, and (3) converting low-cost RS data into high-quality sensor data using AI techniques.
- WP2: Socio-anthropology of seismic risk in Haiti
Coordination: Alice Corbet (LAM) / Laennec Hurbon (FASH)
Objectives: We seek to better understand local perceptions through an analysis based on approaches from the human sciences that will inform WP3 and WP4. Its specific objectives are to understand the perceptions, representations, and needs of RS hosts and the general public, and to map the stakeholders of the seismic risk reduction chain (scientists, civil society, governments, international, moral authorities, etc.). WP2 is based on feedback from the field for a co-construction of conclusions, between Haitian citizens and scientists, and will provide socio-cultural guidelines to other WPs. Based on the theories and the anthropological method, it also crosses notions of sociology, political science, geography, even development economics, to understand local daily life, in all the diversity of populations in Haiti (urban environment, rural, poor, having experienced the 2010 earthquake or not, etc.). Thanks to interactive and qualitative surveys, the links between the social uses of seismic risks and the perceptions associated with them, for example with the differences in beliefs (including vodou) or the instruments of control of the territory (architectural adaptation for example), will allow WP3 and 4 to better respond to the context.
- WP3: Co-construction of an effective citizen information system
Coordination: Laure Fallou (EMSC) / Nixon Calixte (FASCH)
Objectives: WP3 takes advantage of the results of WP1 and WP2, to produce seismological information adapted to the needs of citizens and to the seismological reality. Several levels of communication will be considered: (1) with the RS hosts, (2) with the general public, and (3) between the RS hosts and their community. This will be achieved through 4 specific objectives: (1) understand the nature, temporality, and channels for the information expected by citizens; (2) determine the feasibility of the developments required to meet their expectations; (3) implement those solutions through existing communication channels; (4) evaluate the possibility of using Virtual Reality or gamification activities for risk prevention.
- WP4: Sustainability through two-way communication and education
Coordination: Jean-Marie Théodat (PRODIG) / Kelly Guerrier (URGéo)
Objectives: We seek to develop and test strategies to sustain a multi-stakeholder seismic network in Haiti, in relation with the lessons learned from WP1 (technical), WP2 (sociological), and WP3 (operational). The specific objectives are to (1) convert RS station hosts to earthquake-citizen ambassadors, (2) ensure that linguistic compatibility is at the core of all OSMOSE communication activities, (3) establish a dialog with national institutional stakeholders, and (4) insert earthquake risk activities in educational curricula.
