About the team
The etymology of the word “geohazard” is derived from:
- Geo – from the word “geologic,” meaning related to the Earth.
- Hazard – a situation posing a risk to property, the environment, or life.
Thus, “geohazard” refers to the risk of damage caused by a geological process.
Types of activities
Preocuparile echipei Geo-Haz sunt, ȋn principal, axate pe:
- assessment of ground instability phenomena,
- assessment of landslide hazard—in the broad sense—at local and regional scales,
- in-situ geophysical measurements (electrometry, GPR, etc.)
- preparation of maps (inventory and landslide hazard maps) and databases using GIS, etc. .
The work of this research group focuses on establishing optimal methodologies for the implementation of products designed for various applications. Research findings are based on *in situ* observations and measurements, topographic surveys, the creation of digital terrain models, and more. The team is involved in the entire process, ranging from data acquisition and calibration to the development and validation analysis of the final products. The aforementioned methodologies constitute non-invasive investigation techniques.
At the Geological Institute of Romania, the team has conducted regional studies on the role of natural and anthropogenic factors in triggering instability phenomena and their impact across Romania—utilizing methods such as geoelectrical surveys and GPR in specific landslide-prone areas within the counties of Gorj, Vâlcea, Argeş, Prahova, Buzău, Dâmboviţa, Timiș, and Neamț—as well as local studies on hazard management in areas affected by landslides. State-of-the-art field equipment is employed, and data processing is carried out using GIS-based georeferencing.
To gather primary data, systematic field trips are conducted to map deposits exposed in natural (outcrops) and artificial openings, with measurements taken using specialized equipment; topographic surveys of all observation points (outcrops, landslides, etc.) are carried out using high-precision surveying instruments (GPS, total station, etc.).
The specialists—some with extensive experience in the field—are capable of responding on an emergency basis to any activities involving the investigation of ground instability phenomena. Within this team, there operates the Laboratory of Environmental Geology and Geophysics – Laboratorul de Geologie și Geofizicǎ Ambientalǎ(LGGA) which aims to develop existing R&D infrastructure and create new R&D infrastructure within the IGR in the environmental field by enhancing theoretical, scientific, and technical capabilities regarding the multidisciplinary assessment of natural hazards (landslides) and nationwide pollution levels, as well as the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources and biodiversity—in alignment with the European Research Area and within the context of local and regional climate change.
