Geoenvironment and Geomaterials

Proposed research includes top expertise in geology comprising crystallography, mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry and isotope geochemistry, sedimentology, stratigraphy, paleoecology, hydrogeology, tectonics and structural geology, ore deposit genetic studies and economic geology, arranged into complementary thematic research areas of Geoenvironment, Geomaterials and Basic research, which are further divided into the following work packages: Biomonitoring, Past and recent global change, Potentially toxic elements (PTE), Active tectonics, Mass movement processes, Groundwater and drinking water, Peloids, Mineral resources, Recycled materials, Geoarchaeology, Regional geology, Petrology.

Geochemical and structural processes represent the essential part of evolution of geological environment. They are important section of many cycles controlling changes that directly influent on mankind. For that reason geochemical and structural investigations are widely represented in all parts of science. We are fully acquainted in basic fields of geochemistry as well as in structure of natural materials to the extent by which we can appropriately contribute to international progress. Combining geochemical and structural processes that are in mutual relationships in geoenvironment is the main goal of our research. This will enable complementarity to worldwide trends. The study of coupled biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nitrogen in the sediments, at the water/sediment interface, and in the surrounding marine environments will promote better understanding of the ongoing interactions between physical/chemical properties and primary bioproduction fluctuations. The proposed program was also aimed at providing a contribution to a database on the distribution of major minor and trace element as well as heavy metal contamination of the waters, sediments, agricultural soils and edible plants in the Tertiary Basin. The importance for the development of science is to understand the mechanisms governing the mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals in agricultural soil. The analysis of sedimentary sequences and rocks connected to the important geological time-boundaries in Slovenia provide an important contribution to the knowledge about geochemical and biogenical events in the Earth history. The later are an important subject that was exposed to the extensive studies in geological science recently. Characterization of mortars, renders, pavements and paint layers indicates the extension of certain knowledge and migration paths of inhabitants of the time when materials and knowledge migrated with them. This data enable us to reconstruct historical development of the Europe. Tectonics of the Dinarides and along the entire eastern rim of the Adriatic collision zone is still poorly understood. We aim to provide new data and answers to the outstanding problems (active kinematics, structural styles of active deformation, structural, temporal and paleostress evolution, etc.) From the geodynamic point of view, the presence of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks in Pohorje Mountains serves as important indicator for subduction of continental lithosphaere into the enormous depths in the early period of Alpine orogen formation. The expected results will make an important change in the present knowledge about tectonic and paleogeographic evolution of the Alps. Karstic and fractured aquifers represent one of the most explored fields of research, especially in hydrogeology. The concept of fractal flow dimension in these aquifers is new and inadequately studied; therefore any research of this parameter represents a contribution to science.

Advanced understanding of geochemical and structural processes is an essential base for better expertise of Slovenia region and the main goal of our research group. It provides the fundamental data needed for protection and preservation of natural geo-heritage and cultural heritage. Providing basic geological data necessary for permanent social and economic evolution of Slovenia in different fields (mining, civil engineering, seismic hazard, avalanches, architectural stones and artificial materials), is our second research aim. Gaining all necessary knowledge about sensitivity of geoenvironment for stressful events (anthropogenic pollution, natural hazard) on the basis of geochemical and structural data is our third and at the same time the most important goal. Previous investigations serve as good basis for successful continuation of environmental research. The proposed program includes important elements for strategic evolution of Slovenia. Good understanding and knowledge about geological structure of Slovenia will serve as essential base for social and economical evolution, mostly in parts that include road constructions, civil engineering, landslides engineering, exploitation of natural materials, discovering and use of architectural (building) stones, evaluation and improvement of living environment. For providing the best possible utilization of basic research and knowledge, cooperation in broad social and economic field was established. With including external collaborators from different scientific fields (road building, civil engineering, ecology, nature protection) in our research group the direct interdisciplinary joint research and cooperation was successfully enabled. The expected results will contribute to the knowledge of geological evolution of Slovenia and provide the missing data for wider European region. With proper age determinations, and extensive studying of orogeny, mineralogy, mineral deposits, rock types and soils the basic geological part of natural heritage will be expanded and updated. The value of the use of natural stone must be present to its user, so one can choose the right kind of stone on the right place. As natural stone for building purposes represent geographical significance of cultural region in Slovenia, there is a need to know about its behavior and durability in the environment in which it is built in. Quantifying the rates of active tectonic deformation will significantly improve the existing knowledge about earthquake hazard in the territory of Slovenia. Flysch sequences covers most part of the Slovenian coastal region and their investigation has a profound effect on the, not only basic science but also on the engineering geology and most importantly on the water supply. Karstic and fractured carbonate aquifers also represent a major future source of uncontaminated drinking water. Therefore these studies are of great economic importance, from the viewpoint of rational planning of water well locations.