Projects / Programmes
January 1, 2022
- December 31, 2027
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.06.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Geology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.05 |
Natural Sciences |
Earth and related Environmental sciences |
Earth dynamic processes, active tectonics, earthquake geology, surface processes, slope mass movements, climate change, natural hazards, landslides, palaeoseismology, GNSS, remote sensing, geomorphology, seismic hazard, trigger factors, Quaternary geology
Data for the last 5 years (citations for the last 10 years) on
April 23, 2024;
A3 for period
2018-2022
Data for ARIS tenders (
04.04.2019 – Programme tender,
archive
)
| Database |
Linked records |
Citations |
Pure citations |
Average pure citations |
| WoS |
113 |
1,691 |
1,461 |
12.93 |
| Scopus |
147 |
2,255 |
1,885 |
12.82 |
Researchers (11)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The Slovenian territory is part of the active area at the junction of the Alps, the Dinarides and the Pannonian Basin and part of the broader collision zone between the Eurasian and African lithospheric plates. Due to the complex interaction between the Eurasian Plate, the indenting Adriatic Microplate, and the Tisza and ALCAPA mega-units, a number of geological structures have developed, including a number of active faults. Active tectonic processes, especially in connection with long-term climate change, also influence the Earth surface processes. By studying tectonic, fluvial and glacial processes, as well as processes of slope mass movements, we obtain a lot of important information about the geological past and present, and from the findings we can infer the future development of the area. Tectonic processes influence the processes on our planet, they shape the Earth's surface, geological structure and affect the atmosphere and climate, but at the same time they can cause processes that pose a danger to society. The most important geologically induced hazards on the territory of Slovenia, resulting from the interaction of internal and external factors, are the seismic, and the landslide hazard. In the proposed research program Dynamic Earth we will bring together a multidisciplinary group of researchers who will use modern methods to study the Earth's dynamic processes in Slovenia, with a special focus on geological hazards, which is particularly relevant to society. Our research will focus on active tectonics and earthquake geology, slope mass movements and other surface processes related to climate change. Through the implementation of the research program, which is specifically designed to address the challenges in the field of environmental studies, we will deepen and broaden existing knowledge. We will increase our knowledge of active structures, deformation rates, seismic activity, and slope mass movements, and provide the basis for assessing various geologic hazards and for sustainable development. We will reconstruct the effects of climate change on surface processes in the past and assess their impacts in the future using various climate scenarios. Through collaboration with foreign researchers and communication of key findings we will integrate into international scientific landscape and will contribute significantly to the understanding of the studied processes in the wider region and globally. The newly acquired knowledge will help to support and conduct disaster management to improve earthquake and landslide resilience, which will help to reduce the vulnerability of the population, infrastructure and cultural heritage. New knowledge will also contribute to the exploration of mineral resources and energy sources, as well as to the development of industry (natural mineral water springs), infrastructure and tourism (thermal spas), and indirectly allow a more sustainable use of resources.
Significance for science
The great opportunity of today's geosciences lies in understanding the evolution of the Earth's surface and interior and answering related fundamental scientific and societal questions. To know what awaits us in the future, we need to understand geological history and its shaping processes. The Slovenian territory is located in the active area at the contact of the Alps, Dinarides and Pannonian Basin and is a part of the broader collision zone between the Eurasian and African lithospheric plates. Several active geological structures, including numerous active faults and fault systems, were formed due to the counterclockwise rotation of the Adriatic microplate and its northward movement. Tectonic activity is followed by moderate seismic activity, occasionally culminating in destructive earthquakes. Active tectonic processes, especially in combination with climate changes, influence the increased activity of the earth's surface processes. In Slovenia, the most common phenomena are earthquakes and slope mass movements. Tectonics connects processes in and on the Earth with deformations and other consequences through billions of years of Earth history. This knowledge allows us to look into the future. The study of Earth dynamic processes is based on the interdisciplinary knowledge and experience gained through many years of scientific research, experimentation, observation, modelling, data collection and analysis. Within the research programme, we will conduct in-depth investigations and apply new, modern research methods to deepen and broaden the existing knowledge. Using state-of-the-art approaches and methods designed especially for solving environmental problems, we will increase the knowledge of active tectonics, active structures, deformation rates and seismic hazard in Slovenia. By obtaining new geodetic and geomorphological, age-dated and geophysical data, we will introduce new and improved tectonic models for overlooked areas. One example is the Posavske gube area, which is currently the most unknown tectonic area in Slovenia, although it is very important because of the critical infrastructure in the Krško Basin (Krško Nuclear Power Plant). Great progress is also expected in the detection of important active faults in cities, which could directly threaten over 650 000 inhabitants in Slovenia concentrated in large urban areas. In addition, we will provide the key data for improved seismic hazard assessment and lead in defining the novel approach to provide a nationwide seismic source model for modern hazard assessments of ground shaking and ground deformation. Using state-of-the-art remote sensing methods, time series analysis, and physics-based modelling and data-driven approach, we will develop models for predicting the dynamics of slope mass movements. The influence of climate change on Earth's surface processes is globally recognised. In recent decades, the effects of changing climate are manifesting in Slovenia as well. The results of the research will reveal the influence of climate change on the environment and life in the geological history and contribute to the understanding of the recent development of climate change and its far-reaching consequences. The results of the research will improve the fundamental knowledge of the dynamic interactions between Earth surface processes and tectonics in Slovenia, regionally and globally.
Significance for the country
The significance of the results of the new research program Dynamic Earth for the socio-economic development of Slovenia is direct, clear and evident. Based on knowledge and experience, man's long-standing desire to overcome nature has finally been overcome and transformed into the concept of sustainable coexistence in a more or less urbanized environment that must fully respect nature. Based on new scientific knowledge, the foundations are being laid for the further development of extremely important application products to which the members of PS have contributed in the past. The results of research on active tectonics, seismotectonics and mass movement processes, as in recent years when we made some important breakthroughs in this field in Slovenia with the participation of the members of the new PS, will be the basis for rational spatial planning and land development strategies and projects. Based on our results, it will be possible to permanently update the map of seismic hazards in Slovenia (which only received geological bases for the first time in 2020 and these urgently need to be updated) and the methodology on the basis of which we have been preparing a map of landslide susceptibility in Slovenia at a scale of 1: 25,000 since 2019 and which is already outdated due to scientific knowledge developed in the meantime. The results will make it possible to develop appropriate legislation to improve earthquake and landslide resilience by reducing the risk to the population, the natural environment and infrastructure. The new fundamental knowledge will also be the basis for education and awareness of geological hazards. The results of the program will be important for relevant institutions dealing with urban planning, spatial planning, civil engineering, environmental studies, sustainable development issues of urban and rural areas, environmental issues, etc. The main stakeholders - users of the results are the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, the Ministry of Economy, local municipalities, experts in the field of strategic planning, etc., as well as companies engaged in the construction of and planning and implementation of measures to protect against natural disasters. The results in the form of overview maps, plans and models will also serve as a tool to effectively support the operation of disaster management services in case of landslides or devastating earthquakes, to build / improve an existing landslide warning system and to prepare emergency plans. Under the proposed program, the research results will have an indirect impact on society in: (1) the state of the art assessment of the probability of geologically induced hazards in Slovenia, (2) the preparation of professional bases in the field of spatial planning, (3) the preparation of legislation in the field of spatial planning and construction (e.g. building legislation and standards), (4) the preparation of legislation in the field of geological hazards, (5) reducing the vulnerability of society (i.e. increasing resilience) to the occurrence of geologically related hazards, (6) the development of preventive measures in the area of landslides and seismic hazards, the protection of life and property, (7) the planning and implementation of measures to protect natural and cultural heritage, (8) public understanding of the influence of anthropogenic factors on landslide occurrence, (9) public understanding of other important geomorphological features of the Earth's surface, (10) tourism in hilly areas, (11) dissemination of knowledge nationally and internationally and enhancement of Slovenia's visibility internationally through presentation of results at high-profile international congresses and in world-renowned scientific journals. Slovenia thrives to become a sustainable, digitized society, adapted and resilient to the coming changes in nature and society. The application of the results of the new program will be a great support on the way there. The results of the program will save lives (!) and ensure prosperity, which will not least bring cultural development.
