Projects / Programmes
Increasing the effectiveness and applicability of research on natural disaster using modern methods
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 6.12.01 |
Humanities |
Geography |
Physical geography |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P005 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Geology, physical geography |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 6.05 |
Humanities |
Other humanities |
geography, physical geography, geomorphology, application geography, engineering geography, geography of natural hazards, geographical information systems, modeling of natural processes, geomorphic processes, geomorphic natural hazards, modern methods
Researchers (17)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Numerous government documents refer to natural disasters/hazards and anticipate preventive and safety measures to address the problem; in practice, however, these measures are only rarely implemented. One of the reasons is a lack of suitable methodologies for the swift and effective implementation of preventive measures.
In the proposed project in the field of geomorphological natural disasters (landslides, rockfalls, debris flows, erosion), we will elaborate appropriate methodological solutions on the basis of which we will build a cartographical foundation (risk maps) that will contribute to the realization of preventive measures as provided by the legislation (see Water Act). Geomorphological natural disasters have a major influence on society but they are frequently ignored (except for the short period following a natural disaster). The results of the project will therefore contribute to a better understanding of geomorphic processes, and above all they will be applicable to spatial planning, strategies for spatial and economic development, and traffic. The risk maps will allow us to determine which geomorphic processes are problematic in specific areas and thus ensure better protection from them.
In this project we will merge knowledge in the field of geomorphic processes and environmental history with knowledge of geographical information systems (GIS). A knowledge of geomorphic processes is necessary to understand the origin and dynamics of geomorphological natural disasters, understanding environmental history is necessary to understand that natural disasters are a landscape constant in nature, and understanding the GIS is necessary for their effective modeling. The combination of these fields will enable the elaboration of methodologies that will allow us to define areas with major risk of individual geomorphological natural disasters occurring at the national and local level.
At the beginning of the project we will examine the applicability of existing foreign methods for the natural conditions in Slovenia. They will not be simply transferred to our environment but rather suitably adapted; in the past foreign models were too often uncritically transferred to our environment (particularly the modeling of erosion processes). In parallel we will develop our own methods (models) based on our acquired knowledge of the field in question. In the past we already have developed our own relevant models (see for example ZORN, M., KOMAC, B.: Deterministic modeling of landslide and rockfall risk, Acta geogr. Slov., 2004, 44-2, pp 53–100 [COBISS.SI-ID 23324461]).
Next we will elaborate national and regional risk maps for individual geomorphological natural disasters, as well as a total risk evaluation. Using the GIS, the maps will be elaborated on the basis of the most accurate and geo-referenced data layers containing natural geographical and sociogeographical landscape elements. On the basis of maps elaborated in this way, we will determine the most problematic areas, primarily areas of population and infrastructure density, and elaborate larger-scale risk maps for them. For smaller areas we will be able to study individual past, existing, and potential geomorphic events in the field. The project will therefore further contribute to the better understanding of geomorphic processes. In the concluding phase of the project this will help in the final elaboration of the most effective and applicable methods as possible for dealing with geomorphological natural disasters.
The results of the project will be useful for spatial planners, urban planners, civil engineers, and landscape architects alike, as well as for various state national, regional and local institutions involved with planning, agriculture, forestry, or the natural heritage. The results will be also applicable for geography and geomorphology theirself since the project will deal with one of theirs basic foundations, that is, the understanding of geomorphic processes.
Significance for science
The project has: - Studied natural processes (i.e., hydro-geomorphic processes or hydro-geomorphological natural disasters/hazards), which will not be completely understood for a long time (or perhaps ever); through a detailed study, this project contributed to better understanding of these processes; - Improved knowledge of the laws of reciprocal influence among natural elements of the landscape, - Developed new methodological solutions and models; - Reinvigorated academic discussion about the importance of natural disasters/hazards in studying landscapes; - Examined innovative use of geographic information systems. - Combined knowledge of various disciplines and straitened interdisciplinary approach; - Increased the importance of geography as an applied discipline; - Strengthened physical geography, geomorphology, and geography of natural disasters; - Increased the effectiveness and applicability of geographic information systems; - Introduced new methodological solutions and models to geography; - Increased the importance of fieldwork as a key element in testing the results of quantitative analyses; - Motivated the desire to develop engineering geography, whose findings, according to Vrišer (2007), would be useful in everyday practical life or planning social development; - Provided applicable results such as risk/hazard maps that can be a scientific resource for new research in this field. The results of the project are important for geography and its related sciences in the pure and applied fields as well as for agriculture, regional and spatial planning, urban planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture, and also the preservation of Slovenia’s natural and cultural heritage.
Significance for the country
The project results are applicable in a number of fields in Slovenia, including: - Developing national, regional and municipal measures for planning further spatial development with regard to natural disasters/hazards; - Drawing up standard and detailed municipal spatial plans; - Spatial development by appropriate institutions; - Protecting natural and cultural heritage; - Understanding the importance of natural disasters/hazards in the shaping of landscape; - Changing the value judgment of natural disasters/hazards from the landscape and ecological viewpoint; - In preparing geographical and other school textbooks for different level of education, - (and most importantly) Protecting human lives. Paying insufficient attention to natural disasters/hazards in landuse planning in Slovenia has resulted in some areas being (overly) affected by these disasters. Taking into account hydro-geomorphic processes in landuse planning could avoid the frequently hazardous connection between human activities and natural processes. By reducing natural disasters/hazards and the damage they cause, economic competitiveness would be increased because there would be no production shutdowns, interrupted transport routes, and destroyed infrastructure; in addition, money intended for redressing the damage after disasters would be saved and spent more effectively in society and business. The factor most important to society must not be overlooked here: the safety of the population. This is connected with the quality of life discussed by EU directives. The results of the project are therefore useful for spatial planners, urban planners, civil engineers, and landscape architects alike, as well as for various national, regional and local institutions involved with planning, agriculture, forestry, or heritage.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
