Tectonic and structural geological research
Planet Earth is in constant movement and change, its crust is shaped by plate tectonics. The science of tectonics and structural geology deals with some larger- and smaller-scale phenomena of these changes. Through their investigation it tries to typify them and makes an attempt to their spatial and temporal reconstruction.
Tectonic movements can be classified upon their duration as well. Movements in the past are important for us to study the traces, faults and folds that they left behind. Through generating earthquakes the stress fields active still today that are studied by neotectonics can destroy our buildings and establishments.
As a function of the characteristics of their formation structural geological processes and events can bring about faults, bent structures and ductile deformed rocks. Their detailed investigation gives clues to assess the nature and time of action of the stress field that formed them. This study can be regarded as basic research raising knowledge on our homeland, whereas it can have an applied effect of crucial importance e.g. in the field of the solution of waste disposal issues.
Radioactive wastes should be placed in a safe geological setting warranting the safe isolation of radioactive material from the biosphere. This geological isolation is made up of rocks criss-crossed by faults and fractures. Their homogeneity is broken by folds and recrystallised zones formed in the stress field. Through groundwater flow they can provide connection path to the biosphere. Therefore it is indispensable to study their in detail for both low- and intermediate level radioactive wastes. The first site is in Mecsek Hills, whereas a project is devoted to the second one in the Mórágy Hill.
Southern Transdanubia, research in Mórágy Hill
This area is partially made up of granitoid rocks having been subjected to dynamic recrystallisation. They are traversed by some larger fault zones as well as faults and fractures welded by mineral filling. Geological mapping and detailed structural geological analysis of deep wells, trenches and tunnels facilitate to investigate their spatial orientation, systems and connections and to assess their transmissibility, the length of individual faults and the temporal succession of the stress fields in action. At the present state of the research several tens of thousands of measurements have been recorded. They furnish a solid basis to the reliable characterisation of areas studied in detail which allows us to set up a structural model providing a framework for our experiences. The ImaGeo core scanner and related evaluation softwares developed for the spatially oriented investigation of deep well cores contribute essentially to the success of the research.
Mecsek Hills, investigation of the Boda Aleurolite
In this area a sedimentary rock unit is being studied deposited once in a special desertic setting which was subsequently affected by post-Palaeozoic tectonic movements manifested essentially by faulting. Geological mapping and structural analysis of deep wells are applied in order to set up the tectonic model of this area as well.
Neotectonic studies
In this frame an extraordinarily sophisticated set of methods have been tested during the recent years serving as the basis for elaborating the methodology of neotectonic studies in domestic hilly and mountain areas. In the future this methodology will be applied in Somogy Hills.
Development of methods and instruments
State-of-the-art technology is required for the acquisition and interpretation of the extremely large amount of detailed structural geological data. To meet this demand the ImaGeo Mobile Drillcore Scanner has been developed facilitating the digital evaluation of drillcores in high detail. Simultaneously, applying borehole televiewer method it is capable of reconstructing the drillcores initial spatial orientation. The related also self-developed software package supports extensive and sophisticated structural geological interpretation.
A laser-induction plasma spectrometer (LIPS) has been integrated in the ImaGeo core scanner. On the basis of the scanned image it allows us a high-precision and well-documented determination of chemical elements. Though featuring lower precision than laboratory analyses it is a perfect method for taking a large amount of cheap measurements.
A scanner for the study of tunnels and exposures is under development for the more extensive use of the softwares of the ImaGeo core scanner.
