Projects / Programmes
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2013
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.06.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Geology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P500 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Geophysics, physical oceanography, meteorology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.05 |
Natural Sciences |
Earth and related Environmental sciences |
geological mapping, stratigraphy, paleontology, tectonics, active tectonics, Geological Map of Slovenia, regional-scale research, karst, geohazard, lanslides, earthquakes
Researchers (18)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The program incorporates various research disciplines such as geological mapping, stratigraphy, paleontology, tectonics, geophysics and geothermy. Geological maps as a primary product of the program are used as basis for spatial and social planning, investigations of water resources, geothermal energy and mineral resources, for elaboration of thematic geological maps, for solving ecological problems and for geohazards assessment. Natural, and cultural heritage conservation are applications that are supported by geological maps as well. A great deal of research within the project is aimed towards dealing with geological issues beyond Slovenian borders on a wider European, and global scale (e.g.: understanding tectonics and geodynamics at the junction of the European, Adriatic and Tisza plates, understanding global and oceanic anoxic events during Cretaceous, evolutionary contributions to paleontology, etc.). The research topics of the program Regional Geology are essential for the progress within fundamental fields in geology. The importance of the program is also in strengthening the position of Slovenian geological science within the international scientific community.
Significance for science
Understanding the recent geodynamics was the main goal of the research activities in the Ljubljana Basin. The result is based on in-depth interdisciplinary study thus even the partial results are in many cases of high scientific importance by themselves. Four tectonic phases were mapped southwest of Ljubljana. The so called »dynaric« faults were most probably primarily formed as normal faults during the Miocene extension and were only during the Quaternary reactivated as right-lateral strike slip faults. Geological survey around Ortnek showed that the contact between the Lower-Triassic and the Paleozoic rocks is not thrusted but erosional instead. Two previously unknown karst caves were identified in that area. Continuation of the abovementioned “dynaric” faults was traced under the Quaternary deposits of the Ljubljana Moor by means of high-resolution seismic reflection survey. By this method we aim to evaluate the post-depositional (Quaternary) activity of faults and consequently to revaluate seismic hazard that they may pose. In our program group, we are introducing in Slovenia the methods of tectonic geomorphology. The results gave a much better - and to some extent already quantified - insight to recent geodynamics of the Ljubljana basin. An intrediciplinary approach toward research and monitoring of mas-movement phenomena yielded excellent scientific results and also provided grounds for preparation of concrete measures for risk prevention in a known area. Our results suggest that the position of Jadar Block was adjacent to the southern margin of Laurussia and that the Paleotethys had to be very narrow to allow faunal exchanges between South Variscan and North Gondwanan shelves during the Early Carboniferous. By that, we contributed significantly to the reconstruction of the Late Paleozoic paleogeography. The biostratigraphic studies in western Slovenia deal with the biota from the Permian-Triassic interval. Section Lukač in Žiri is currently the only place in the Dinarides, where the system boundary is defined on the basis of internationally recognized criteria. A conodont zonation was introduced as a basic cronostratigraphic division, which was supplemented with foraminiferal zonation. Based on conodonts, that are aslo important correlative biomarkers, we can implement Permian-Triassic comparison interval within the Dinarides. Geological survey of Trieste-Komen plateau, described in the explanatory book to the geological map and in the monograph Geology of Kras, in addition to some new developments in knowledge lithostratigraphic, contributes to understanding the evolution of large-scale intraoceanic Adriatic-Dinaric carbonate platform in the Cretaceous and Tertiary. They represent one of the bases for the interpretation of tectonic events on the northern deformed edge of the Adria microplate, which had a significant influence on the present appearance of the Trieste-Komen plateau. Norian-Rhaetian foraminifera were directly correlated with conodonts for the first time. The correlation allows us the precise positioning of the Norian-Rhaetian boundary in peri-reef sedimentary environments where deep-water biota is missing. Our research is all the more important, as the Rhaetian GSSP has not been selected yet. A mass-dissapearance of foraminifera was proven at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary. The change in the assemblage could result from the habitat loss due to the sea level fall, but the dissapearance of Duostominidae points to the possibility of other explanations. Even though many researchers include the Triassic-Jurassic boundary within five major mass extinctions, foraminifera have been neglected until now. A humid event has been recorded in the Norian strata of the Slovenian Basin. We've analysed the triggering rainfall values for several rock-types in Slovenia and used these in the design of the Web system for early warning due to increased landslide hazard (Masprem project).
Significance for the country
Knowledge acquired through our research activity is regulary being used in Slovenia for planing and implementation of infrastructure projects at all levels of complexity. Technological and methodological maturity of the program has been proven through numerous apllied projects listed in this report (such as NPP Krško II, radwaste disposal site, railways infrastructure, municipal geohazard maps, live and online landslide hazard prediction system based on the rainfall prognosis etc.) Also in the field of geophysics, the microtremor method has been successfully implemented in parts of Slovenia with elevated earthquake risk. We successfully linked the reulst with civil engineering community esp. with earthquake engineers in determination and analysis of potentially endangered constructions. In general, the knowledge over 3D geological structure of Slovenia is directly applicable, which we have exhbited not only in many cases of applied project but also in support to public services. During the last program period we have further developed the applicability of results by introduction of new technologies and by focusing even more to recent geodynaimcs.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
