Regional Geology

The Regional Geology programme performs comprehensive and systematic research of the geological structure of Slovenia and incorporates it into a broader research environment. The high scientific quality of our work and connection with cutting edge research is demonstrated with papers in high-ranked international scientific journals, in close and active collaboration in both domestic and international scientific communities, in the organising of high-profile international conferences, and in the publishing of national scientific and popular scientific monographs, geological maps and more. By the same token, the results represent work of high socio-economic relevance. In the absence of systemic state support for work consisting of the acquisition, collection, interpretation and provision of access to data on the geosphere, which actually constitutes a statutory obligation, the work of our group provides at least the most necessary basis for such a scheme. The great socio-economic importance of our work is reflected in two key socially-related issues – sustainable development and safety. A comprehensive understanding of regional geological structure is an indispensable resource in dealings with important socio-economic questions: spatial planning, the sitting of infrastructure facilities, the specific impact and consequences of climate change, the conservation and protection of natural heritage and more. The results of such work, in particular the geological map of Slovenia (or 3D and 4D models of the geological structure) and the specific knowledge of the PG members demonstrate the direct and immediate applicability of such work in all major infrastructure projects in Slovenia. The basic model of the geological structure is the input data for our research on active tectonic processes and slope mass movements, which are reflected on the surface. The ultimate goal is to assess the risk of geological natural hazards, to provide warning of them and to propose protective and remedial measures. The quality of our work is largely the result of a multidisciplinary approach, the introduction of modern analytical methods and the integration of inseparable research fields – fundamental geological research, the study of active tectonics and the study of slope mass movements. Through basic research methods (paleontological, stratigraphic, sedimentological and structural) we generate data used to produce the basic 4D model of the geological structure; and with the research of active tectonics (tectonic geomorphology, paleoseismology, geophysical study) we contribute to a better understanding of recent geodynamics and assess seismic hazards. Members of the PG are also strongly involved in domestic and European research, development and application projects.

The key aim common to the entire programme group is the improvement of the 4D geological model of Slovenia and its surroundings. The model is constantly being updated using relevant new scientific findings, primarily those originating from specialist studies conducted by our research team. The results of detailed paleontological and stratigraphical studies will enable the transfer of fundamental geological knowledge to other natural sciences dealing with structural geology as well as active tectonics. Understanding Late Paleozoic and Mesozoic paleogeography in the Slovenian part of the Southern Alps and External Dinarides will contribute to a wider, global understanding of the sedimentary and tectonic dynamics of the Alpine and Mediterranean region. New stratigraphic data will play an important role in the development of regional structural models and contribute to similar global models. Research in the field of Quaternary geology, which encompasses the reconstruction of paleoenvironments, paleodrainage and geochronology serves as the basis for constraining the Quaternary landscape evolution model of Slovenia. The proposed research will also contribute to the further development of state-of-the-art methods used in active tectonics (tectonic geomorphology, high-resolution seismic reflection method, low frequency GPR, paleoseismology, seismic tomography). The results of research on paleoseismology, active tectonics and deep structure geophysical will contribute to a better understanding of active deformation and seismic activity at the transition of the Southern Alps into the Dinarides, and will be recognised in scientific literature around the world. The results of studying landslide movements, from their source areas to their zones of deposition, will be applicable to slope mass movements in other areas of similar geologic and geographic settings (e.g. the Alpine countries). Also, the results will make an important contribution to those engineering and natural sciences dealing with environmental issues; in particular, it will contribute to the development of professions dealing with natural disaster risk management. Applying new monitoring techniques, including new remote sensing methods/observations, will contribute to improving hardware and software models used in the monitoring of landslides. At the crossover point of various scientific fields we could expect the emergence and evolution of new scientific knowledge, trends, and technical solutions.

The results of the basic geological investigations proposed here are directly applicable in the elaboration of a new geological map of Slovenia (i.e. a 4D/3D geological model) as well as in major infrastructural projects. A comprehensive quality geological model is particularly important, as various socio-economic issues and concerns are directly or indirectly related to solving issues related to climate change, spatial planning, construction engineering; and natural hazard risk assessment, safety, protection and remediation measures, natural heritage conservation and protection. All of these issues require firm grounds and an exceedingly good understanding of the regional geological setting. The possibility of large, devastating earthquakes presents a threat to both the population and to infrastructure. Research of active tectonics and paleoseismology represents the backbone of modern methods of assessing earthquake hazards. The applicability of research results has direct value for societal development. By regulating seismic safety measures, urban spatial planning and education, the threat of earthquakes to vulnerable populations, infrastructure and cultural heritage can be minimized. Slovenia is preparing a new map of seismic hazards based on geological inputs provided by our research team. Developments in slope mass movement research are in general directly transferable into practice. Results expressed as thematic maps will provide an effective tool in civil protection work that is tasked with dealing with landslides, improving existing or creating new Early Warning Systems (EWS) and creating risk assessments of unforeseen natural disasters. Such results could also be used in spatial planning and the planning of infrastructures in the context of potential risks posed by due landslides and debris flows. Moreover, programme results will have important implications both for national institutions concerned with the environment and for engineering companies and consultants engaged in the design and implementation of natural disaster protection measures. Understanding the interdependent connections between extreme weather events and landslides in the geological past will also lead to a better understanding of processes and issues related to climate change today and to forecasting work on the consequences of such in the near future. In total, members of the PG have participated in many international projects over the course of the last programme period (H2020, transnational, cross-border, KIC EIT etc.), which involved project participation to managing work packages and managing entire projects as a whole. The number of projects in which we’ve been involved and the role of PG group members testify to the fact that we are highly desirable partner. Among our many international achievements we can point out in particular our active involvement in the PanAfGeo project, in which we are working to transfer our knowledge to a number of African geological surveys.