The Land Subsidence and Hazard Mitigation Research Group concentrates on the research on ground surface deformation and movement, as well as the various range of negative impact of these phenomena on land users. Our research covers the following segments:
- monitoring, analysis and interpretation of ground surface deformation and movement including continuous and discontinuous deformations and induced-seismicity;
- modelling and forecasting of rock mass and ground surface deformation and movement;
- analysis and assessment of hazards to land users and ground surface infrastructure;
- assessment of the relation between ground surface deformation and global climate changes.
For ground surface movement monitoring, mainly satellite radar interferometry (InSAR), supported by geodetic and remote sensing data, is used. Modelling of rock mass deformation strictly results from the analysis of monitoring results (both the terrain and the interior of the rock mass). Based on these result, we build mathematical models of the studied phenomena. Nevertheless, the complexity of research topics we deal with most often requires models’ parameterization adequate to local conditions. To meet this demand, the inverse modelling approaches and appropriate statistical methods are thoroughly used to test the reliability of mathematical models parameterization. Both the results of monitoring and forecasts allow the analysis of the potential hazard to the land users, buildings and infrastructure. In order to analyze, assess and mitigate potential threats and risk related to our research topics, we use geostatistical, multi-criteria desicion making tools, and Artificial Intelligence. However, this is also extensive experience of our piers from the industry sector that often support our investigations.
In recent years, there has been a clear impact of climate change on the global economy. The Land Subsidence and Hazard Mitigation Research Group conducts research on the interaction of the characteristics of deforming areas with the possibility of improving the geoclimatic properties of entire regions.
The Land Subsidence and Hazard Mitigation Research Group’s international cooperation includes joint research with scientists from Poland (AGH University of Science and Technology, Cracow), Italy (University of Padua), Israel (Geological Survey of Israel), Canada (Geological Survey of Canada), China (China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing), South Africa (University of Johannesburg), Germany (Clausthal University of Technology), the Netherlands (TU Delft) and the United Kingdom (University of Aberdeen).
Land Subsidence and Hazard Mitigation Research Group 