Geohazards geophysics supports the identification, quantification, and monitoring of areas susceptible to natural or anthropogenic hazards. This is essential for infrastructure safety, urban development, and risk management.
Major Geohazards Addressed
A. Landslides & Slope Instability
- Detection of fractured / low-strength zones
- Mapping groundwater accumulation contributing to instability
- Monitoring slope deformation
B. Earthquake & Seismic Hazards
- Site classification (Vs30) for seismic codes
- Fault mapping using seismic and electrical methods
- Liquefaction susceptibility mapping
C. Karst Hazard (Sinkholes & Cavities)
- Mapping dissolution features in limestone or gypsum terrains
- Detecting underground voids
- Evaluating risk to foundations and infrastructure
D. Volcanic Hazards
- Detecting geothermal anomalies
- Magma movement using MT
- Gas pathways mapping
E. Flood & Coastal Hazards
- Subsurface characterization for flood modeling
- Detecting buried channels & paleo-drainage
- Mapping seawater intrusion in coastal zones
Geophysical Methods in Geohazard Investigations
- ERT & IP — cavities, saturation, fracture zones
- Earthquake data & Seismic Methods (MASW, Microtremor, HVSR) — Vs30, shear-wave profiles
- Microgravity — voids, karst
- Magnetics & EM — faults, buried channels
- InSAR & Remote Sensing Integration — deformation monitoring