Department of Engineering Geology analyse and interpret the dangerous geodynamical phenomena and processes, which affect the behaviour, development and stability of the rock environment in their natural deposition in the Earth’s crust. These phenomena are linked with exogenous processes, such as slope deformations and weathering, as well as endogenous processes, such as tectonics, fault movements and gas emanations. Special attention is paid to the development of reliable and accurate methods of monitoring of slope and tectonic processes and predicting their development and occurrence in space and time.
1. Landslides
In the landslide research, the team concentrates on multidisciplinary studies of various types of slope processes, ranging from deep-seated landslides through debris flows to rockfalls, with our study sites spread both in the Czech Republic and worldwide (Peru, Svalbard, Kyrgyzstan, Austria, Canary Is., etc.). In our work we apply innovative methods and approaches, including geophysical, geodetical, remote sensing and monitoring techniques, combined with various environmental data to assess the landslide hazard and to propose suitable mitigation measures. We therefore often work as consultants for both state institutions and private enterprises.
2. Tectonics
The research focus of the team is the monitoring of the slow, yet omnipresent aseismic creep along tectonic faults. These movements, with velocity varying from centimetres in highly active areas to less than 0.01 millimetres/year in less active regions, accommodate part of the tectonic stress and thus their understanding is one of the crucial conditions for the development of forecasting of the earthquakes, the ultimate goal of tectonic and seismic research. Our dedicated network for the fault monitoring TecNet covers many countries in Europe and the World. Recently, we have advanced towards calculation of current stress field and its changes, based on our direct measurements on tectonic faults.
3. Monitoring and instruments development
Since 1970ies, the department team is very active in the development and applications of monitoring devices. Our specialty is a very precise 3D dilatometer TM-71, continuously developed form the first optical-mechanical models towards the current device with better precision, automatic reading, data transfer and processing. The improvements are partly aided by in-house design and production of new parts using 3D printing technology. We also test and apply the cutting-edge technologies and methods like TLS (terrestrial laser scanner or LiDAR), modern geophysical methods or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles or drones).
Other current research interests and undertakings (Slope tectonics, Rock weathering, Research for practice, Monitoring networks, Databases)
International Cooperation
Project: "Hazard assessment of dangerous landslides and glacial lake outburst floods, Cordillera Blanca, Peru (GAP209/11/1000 - 2011-2014)
Principal investigator: RNDr. Jan Klimeš, Ph.D.
3D monitoring of displacements on faults and GPS measurements earth movement
Location: bay Hornsund, Polish Polar Station
Joint projects in the years 2011 - 2014
Student mentoring, geohazard monitoring. Development projects financed by the Czech Development Agency.
The EU TecNet monitoring network provides very precise measurements of tectonic creep, using a series of crack gauges known as TM-71s and GPS measurement.
Localities: Lorettotunnel (Freiburg), Wattkopftunnel (Karlsruhe)
Investigator: josef Stemberk
Geological map 1:50000, Blatt Haslach,
Project coordinator for the Czech side is Dr.. Krystof Verner, PhD. of Czech Geologicla Survey
The EU TecNet monitoring network provides very precise measurements of tectonic creep, using a series of crack gauges known as TM-71s and GPS.
Localities: Congress Center Darmstadt
Investigator: Josef Stemberk
Project: "Multi-disciplinary study of the processes in the sandstone outcrops: a new approach to research and interpretation of selected sandstone forms" (GA13-28040S, 2013-2015), Investigator: Mgr. Jana Schweigstillova, Ph.D.,
cooperation Dr. A. Mayo
slope and fault movements
Project: TecNet 3-D monitoring of displacements on faults and GPS measurements earth movement - Grimsel underground laboratory,
Investigator: J. Stemberk
GAP209/11/1000 - "Hazard assessment of dangerous landslides and glacial lake outburst floods, Cordillera Blanca, Peru" (2011-2014) - RNDr. Jan Klimes, Ph.D.,Ing. Alejo Cochacin
slope and fault movements
Project: The EU TecNet monitoring network provides very precise measurements of tectonic creep, using a series of crack gauges known as TM-71s and GPS measurement.
Localities: Colfiorito, Norcia, Matinatta (Gargano)
International cooperation without grant (Articles) 2013:
Dr. Edmundo Norabuena - Common geodynamic laboratory and create articles.
Dr. Mauro Rossi, CNR-IRPI, Perugia, Italy - article on the stability of slopes in the vicinity of Machu Picchu.
Project: The EU TecNet monitoring network provides very precise measurements of tectonic creep, using a series of crack gauges known as TM-71s and GPS measurement.
Localities: Colfiorito, Norcia, Matinatta (Gargano), Central and South Apennine Mountains
Mega-landslides: imminent hazard or sleeping giants? Monitoring the landslide hazard related to ongoing volcanic activity around El Hierro, Canary Islands, Spain (Grant No.: W244-12, 2012-2013)
Investigators:
Dr. J. Yepes, University of Gran Canaria,
Dr. I. Galindo Jimenez, IGME,
Dr. S. Metliditis, IGN,
Mgr. Jan Blahut, Ph.D. and RNDr. Jan Klimes, Ph.D.
CORINTH
Project: TecNet 3-D monitoring of displacements on faults and GPS measurements earth movement, Photo
Location: Gulf of Corinth
"Contact the Western Carpathians and the Bohemian Massif from the perspective of tiny tectonics in cliff zone based on the measurement and interpretation of results from natural underground space and possible correlations in the region" - Inter-Academy cooperation, 2012-2014, Dr. Joseph Vozar, Dr. Milos Briestenský, Ph.D.
Monitoring and forecasting of hazardous geological processes,
2014 - 2016
investigator: J. Stemberk and N. Dobrev
Doc. Zdenko Hochmuth, UPJŠ, Kosice, Slovakia - Joint geodynamic network Slovak Karst, articles.
Machup icchu, Peru
Project: TecNet 3-D monitoring of displacements on faults and GPS measurements earth movement
Locations: Vremščica, Postojna Cave
academic cooperation - project: Tectonic activity of the significant karst systems (development correlation of the Central Europe and Mediterranean area)
Project: The EU TecNet monitoring network provides very precise measurements of tectonic creep, using a series of crack gauges known as TM-71s
Lokality: Pitec - Huaraz, province Ancash,
measurement is provided by Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague
The EU TecNet monitoring network provides very precise measurements of tectonic creep, using a series of crack gauges known as TM-71s.
Localities: Boom Galerry, Ala-Archa,
Investigator: Josef Stemberk