Social relevance

Exploring the underground at depths influenced by anthropogenic effects provides greater understanding of the structure and dynamics of the uppermost part of the earth’s crust, and therefore has economic as well as ecological relevance. Underground geological structures can be surveyed with the help of high resolution geoelectric and electromagnetic techniques. In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the significance of shallow investigations. Findings from the shallow surveys are of interest to modern agriculture, soil scientists, the clean-up of environmental pollution, as well as clearing anti-personnel mines.

The wide range of geophysical methods available to the section have proven to be indispensable for the solution of the questions put to the group. When tackling these questions, and for the purposes of the disciplines used by the section, the work involves the development of new methods or optimisation of existing methods, as well as their field testing, and development for practical applications.