Monitoring Geological Processes as Part of General Environment Monitoring

Abstract

Geological boundaries usually do not coincide with the borders of states. The use of subsurface resources, pollution of groundwater and changes of landscape in the border area of one state could influence the subsurface environment of the neighbouring country. In general, groundwater is an especially sensitive element of subsurface and environment. Its resources are formed in extensive areas by recharge and could flow, crossing the administrative borders. Pollution or changes of hydrodynamics of the groundwater due to its extraction or mining of mineral resources could impact the quality and resources of groundwater over cross-border territories. It could make an impetus for hazardous geological processes such as karst or erosion. Therefore the knowledge of geological structure, potential processes and environmental risks is essential for sustainable use of cross-border areas and co-operation between neighbouring states (Satkunas, & Graniczny, 1997). Co-operation in cross-border territories is also very important for the implementation of the Principles for a European Spatial Development Policy and could contribute to reduction of environmental pollution and secure environmental capacities of European significance (Graute, 1995). Need and significance of monitoring of transboundary groundwater is stressed recently by the Economic Commission for Europe, which established the Task Force on Monitoring and Assessment of Transboundary Waters, in 1994 (Inventory, 1999).