Research fields

Priority hydrogeological research fields

Investigation of the countrys water supply

Life cannot exist without water. Consequently, healthy potable water can be regarded as one of the highest values of each country. Its supply is highly prioritised by the EU Water Framework Directive as well.
In Hungary as a result of poor environmental management, thoughtless storage of contaminating materials and the lack of public awareness concerning this issue surface water and groundwater resources cannot be used as potable water apart from some exceptions. Therefore subsurface water resources stored in deeper horizons became especially highly appreciated.
The major part of subsurface water resources is characterised by high temperature and dissolved solids content promoting their usage as thermal and medicinal water. In the recent years there has been growing interest in the potential of using our thermal water as thermal energy resource.
The structure of rock assemblages below the ground surface has a determining role concerning the recharge, subsurface water flow and natural tapping of the subsurface water resources as well as the evolution of its quality. Lithological features, composition, position, and orientation of the rocks, together with their characteristics controlling transmissibility and the nature of interactions with migrating water are the most important factors.
Since its foundation the Geological Institute of Hungary has continuously been dealing with hydrogeological research. On the one hand it prepared national overviews connected to the work conducted in neighbouring countries, on the other hand its constant task was the solution of specific tasks and local problems. Data collection and systematisation have always been important issues like the practical utilisation of the results.
Actually, the staff of the Hydrogeological Division is divided in three departments addressing different tasks of hydrogeological research. The investigation of hydrogeologically priority areas are executed together with the compilation of hydrogeological maps. A national water observation network is operated; databases are built and maintained. The composition of waters is examined and national, regional and local modelling is performed making use of the results acquired in the Institutes other divisions.
As a result of these activities rock assemblages storing subsurface water resources are delineated clarifying thus subsurface water flow characteristics. Predictions can be made as well and required water protection measures can be planned. 

Hydrogeological Map of Hungary (in raster format, 2,4 Mb).  

Karst water research in the Transdanubian Range

The importance of this issue is underlined by the facts that some one-third of the countrys subsurface water resources amounting to some 90% of Hungarys potable water resources are stored in karst rocks and the karst water stored in karst rocks of the Transdanubian Range is one of the 40 priority potable water bases of the country. Additionally, the springs in Budapest, at the ranges eastern margin, the spring-lake in Hévíz at its SW submergence and thermal waters occurring in Zala Basin in its submerged part in the basement are also significant.
It is well-known that the region got into critical state in the 1980s due to large-volume mine-water drainage related to intense mining activities. Pressure level of karst water at mining sites dropped by 80-120 m, amounting to an average of 30 m which induced quite a number of environmental problems. The majority of springs became dry water level dropped in wells, wetland habitats also became dry and above all water yield and temperature in the Hévíz Lake also dropped. In the early 1990s mining activities were stopped. Consequently, water exploitation in the former mining area became restricted to supplying the established potable water network. This period of rehabilitation provided an excellent opportunity to the study of karst water storing rock assemblages.
The work resulted in the definition of geological factors governing karst water flow and level. Hydrodynamic units and their relationship were also outlined. This information were necessary for the execution of the tasks set by the EU Water Framework Directive promoting water management in the region based on sustainable development.
Another important activity (executed also in the context of the Directives instructions to assign water bodies) is the inventory and monitoring of the springs in Vértes- and Gerecse Hills. In this frame the yield, temperature and chemical composition of spring water are recorded for several years with the frequency of twice a year.

Limnogeological studies, investigation of the region of Lake Balaton

The examination of Hungarys large lakes first of all Lake Balaton, then Lake Velence and Lake Fertő has been going on for several decades. Their history of evolution and changes in area and water volume taking place for several thousand years since their birth were clarified during the research.
The knowledge gained contributes essentially to the solution of problems related to water level and quality occurring today. The geoscientific database of Lake Balaton is under construction summarising geological data of the Lake Balaton Region in an easily manageable application. Supported by our knowledge we offer regular professional consultation for state and municipal authorities and provide assistance in decision making in the region.