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| GEOLOGICAL SURVEY DEPARTMENT
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Cyprus Geological Survey
The Cyprus Geological Survey Department (G.S.D.) was established in 1950 as a specialized section within the Lands and Surveys Department. Its mandate was to assist the Government in geological matters which at that time were related mostly to mineral exploration and groundwater investigations. The first steps in geological research hinted the geological complexity of the island and especially that of the Troodos Mountains, where most of the mining interest was focused. This created the need for detailed geological mapping by specialised scientists. By 1955, the section grew in size and became an independent department.
After the independence of the island and the establishment in 1960 of the Republic of Cyprus, the survey was placed under the auspices of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Mineral prospecting and geological mapping remained the main fields of activity.
By the late 60΄s, the survey was placed under the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources with an expanded mandate. Placed under its jurisdiction was now groundwater exploration, engineering geological investigations and later the running of an updated seismological network. Over the past 30 years the survey has been adjusting to the demands of the country modifying accordingly its fields of interest. Issues related to seismology and earthquake hazard, protection of the urban environment, exploitation of industrial minerals and environmental geological and assessment studies are some of the main fields of activity.
Through a successful project, completed by 1969, the mineral and groundwater resources of the island had been identified and assessed. This project was funded by the United Nations Development Programe from where a lot of the technical expertise came from.
The contribution of the survey was and still is vital for the development of the country. It has always been flexible, it has always adjusted to the needs of the government with regards to developing mineral and water resources, sustaining the environment, assessing natural disasters and running development programs, always where they relate to geosciences.
Today, the survey is staffed by 22 geoscientists and 100 sub-professional and technical personnel supporting the six principal sections of the survey
Economic Geology
Hydrogeology
Engineering geology
Geophysics and Seismology
General Geology, GIS and Cartography
Geochemistry and Environmental Geology
The activities of the core sections are supported by a number of auxiliary services including the chemical, lapidary and the geotechnical and industrial minerals laboratories, the cartography and GIS, as well as the drilling rigs and pumping test units.
These resources support the function of the Survey in four major fields, those of groundwater, mineral resources, protection of the urban environment and geological research.
UNDERGROUND WATER RESOURCES
Groundwater issues relate to quantitative and qualitative monitoring and assessment of the groundwater resources of the island which through exploration and drilling cover most of the needs for domestic water supply and irrigation.
The semi-arid climate of the island exerts heavy demands on groundwater resources. Besides hydrogeological investigations and prospecting for new groundwater bodies for domestic use and irrigation, extensive monitoring and proper management procedures are now required for groundwater resources.
The recently acquired rotary percussion rig capable of drilling down to 2000 metres
Isolated torrential flows recharge phreatic aquifers
Detailed logging of all hydrogeological boreholes followed by continuous monitoring of the hydrochemical regime provide good background information and determine early signs of groundwater pollution.
The majority of the groundwater resources are derived from Pleistocene gravel aquifers. Other significant aquifers are those that develop locally in fracture zones of the Troodos ophiolitic rocks.
URBAN ENVIRONMENT
The heavy investment of the Cyprus economy in construction over the last 40 years places high expectations on the quality of the design and the construction of infrastructure and buildings. The concept of proper geotechnical investigations was introduced to the island by the Geological Survey which for a number of years was acting as the only geotechnical advisor to the government, supporting all the design and construction projects for water retaining structures, roads, airports, public buildings etc.
The input of engineering geology is continuous during dam, highway, tunnel and other construction projects
Over the last 15 years the attention has focused on the hazard and risk assessment of urban areas and detailed microzonation studies have been carried out or are in progress for all urban centres of the island.
In a parallel effort to control and improve the quality of aggregates and enhance the strength and durability of the concrete in the construction industry, the survey is involved in the quality control of aggregates and water used in the production of reinforced concrete through systematic sampling and testing.
EARTHQUAKES
Damages from the earthquake of February 1995 in Pafos
Protection of the urban environment entails thorough knowledge and understanding of the geotechnical and engineering geology conditions of the foundations of any man-made structure, comprehensive knowledge of the seismicity and seismic hazard of the Cyprus region and assessment and control of the quality of construction materials.
Understanding the seismic hazard and monitoring the seismic activity in the region allows a proaction aiming at the reduction of earthquake losses. Over 500 local events and about 100 regional earthquakes are recorded and evaluated every year.
The seismic network of Cyprus consists of 7 seismic stations, 2 relay stations and 29 accelerometer stations. The central recording station is located in the Geological Survey building in Lefkosia.
The identification, mapping and evaluation of the seismicity of the active faults in Cyprus were the aim of a recently completed research program. The project has given data relating to seismic regions and the maximum expected magnitude earthquake from an active fault.
INDUSTRIAL AND METALLIC MINERALS
Massive sulphide mineralisation with occasionally high copper content has been exploited since earlier than 3000 BC and the word copper is closely associated with the name of Cyprus. Most of the notable ore bodies are exhausted and today no copper mining takes place.
Asbestos was mined between the years 1904 and 1986. About 1 million tonnes were extracted and exported. High quality chromite ore had been extracted from the ultramafic rocks of the Troodos ophiolite until the early 1980’s.
The reassessment of metallic and non-metallic mineral resources is another main issue and attempts are made to quantify these resources and develop a strategy for sustainable development of the mining and quarring industry in balance with the natural environment.
Diabase quarry
GEOLOGY - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
The full understanding of the geological environment of Cyprus and the Near East region is the basis for all geological projects in the survey. Geological research and mapping, the continuous collection, archiving and analysis of geological data, create the foundation for any geological survey. With this in mind, the Cyprus Geological Survey is in close collaboration with foreign academic and research institutes doing work in the geosciences.
The geological information accumulated in the surveyt over its 50 year history necessitated the development of an information management system that will ensure the safety of this information and its accessibility and usability by all scientists and the public. Towards this end, databases and GIS infrastructure started being developed at the survey.
The long mining history of the island has badly affected the environment. The Geological Survey ia attempting to minimise environmental impact by actively being involved in environmental rehabilitation projects of deserted mines/quarries and environmental impact assessment studies of existing or future activities.
The asbestos mine in Amiandos before the restoration works
The asbestos mine in Amiandos after the restoration works
Rehabilitation of the Asbestos mine in the mountainous region involves environmental and health issue studies as well as extensive reprofiling of the tailings for stabilisation and reforestation purposes.
Of great concern to the survey is the execution and assessment of environmental studies related to the disposal of hazardous and other wastes as well as environmental impact due to quarrying and mining activities.
Address:
1 Lefkonos str, Strovolos, Lefkosia, Cyprus
Tel: 357-22309213, Fax: 357-22316873,
email: director@gsd.moa.gov.cy
Mailing address:
Cyprus Geological Survey Department,
1415, Lefkosia, Cyprus
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© 2003 -2010 Republic of Cyprus, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment |
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