David Serrat i Congost

Esteve Cardellach López

Pere F. Santanach i Prat

Salvador Reguant i Serra

Santanach i Prat, Pere F.

Serrat i Congost, David

Cardellach López, Esteve

Reguant i Serra, Salvador

Hemeroteca Cientifica Catalana

CONTRIBUTIONS to SCIENCE, 1 (2): 233-244 (1999)Institut d’Estudis Catalans, BarcelonaFORUMEARTH SCIENCES IN CATALONIA: 1990-1995*Research centresResearch in the Earth Sciences in Catalonia is mostly con-ducted in three types of institutions: universities, centres de-voted exclusively to research, and museums.The universities with Departments of Geology are the«Universitat de Barcelona» (UB), the «Universitat Autònomade Barcelona» (UAB). The «Universitat Politècnica deCatalunya» (UPC) and the «Universitat de Girona» (UG),while they do not have specific Departments of Geology,teach and undertake research in the Earth Sciences.The research centres are members of the Spanish gener-al research institution «Consejo Superior de InvestigacionesCientíficas» (CSIC), and the Geological Survey (ServeiGeològic de Catalunya: SGC) supported by the autonomousgovernment of Catalonia.A major goal of geology is to conserve and exhibit geolog-ical objects (fossils, minerals, rocks, etc.). Hence inCatalonia, the museums play a leading role in scientific re-search. The main museums are the «Institut de PaleontologiaMiquel Crusafont» in Sabadell, and the «Museu delSeminari» and «Museu Martorell», both in Barcelona. Thereare many more museums in Catalonia in which amateur geol-ogists exhibit their collections and conduct research.The exact number of researchers in the Earth Sciences isnot easy to calculate. However, there are more than 150 pro-fessionals. In the UB, UAB, and the «Institut Jaume Almera»CSIC alone more than 100 researchers were being em-ployed in 1992. The majority of these researchers were de-voted exclusively to research in geology and geophysics. Asmaller number also work in materials science.Research interestsBelow we summarize the main interests of Catalan re-searchers in the Earth Sciences. Their aims and progressare also commented on.Regional GeologyThe main purpose of this research field is geological map-ping. The Geological Survey – in this case the «ServeiGeològic de Catalunya»– undertakes the mapping ofCatalonia. The tradition for geological mapping dates fromthe beginning of this century and is founded on the work ofboth amateur and professional geologists. Today manyCatalan geologists are employed around the world in themapping of regional geology.Igneous petrologyThe Pyrenees and Catalan Coastal Chains are the principalareas in which geochemical and mapping research is con-ducted. The geochronological dating of successive thermicevents has been one the main goals in recent years.Regrettably there is no laboratory capable of dating by ra-dioactive decay (Rb/Sr, Sm/Nd, K/Ar, etc.) in Catalonia andsamples have to be sent abroad.Metamorphic petrologyTwo main lines of research are currently being conducted:on the one hand, the study of metamorphic systems by theempirical measurement of geothermometers and the model-ling of the metamorphic reactions produced within thesesystems; and, on the other hand, the study of relationshipsbetween metamorphism and deformation at a range ofscales. This is a very new field of research in Catalonia.Previously, studies were concerned only with igneous rocks.SedimentologyResearch in this field has undergone a recent expansion be-cause of interest shown by oil companies. The exceptionalconditions of the outcrops, mainly in the South Pyrenees, hasled to the organisation of training courses by Catalan re-searchers for oil professionals from the world’s leading com-panies. Catalan sedimentologists also lead sedimentologicalresearch teams around the world, chiefly in Latin America.Stratigraphy and Geological HistoryThe intensity of research in regional geology has meant re-newed research on all regional stratigraphic scales. The aimis to produce a revised lithostratigraphic catalogue of forma-tions throughout Catalonia with a rapidly changing geologi-cal history, mainly from the Cretaceous to Recent. The com-plexity of the geological formations results in a large numberof small stratigraphic units. Moreover, a detailed biostratig-raphy is contributing to the creation of continental strati-graphic scales and to the revision of the former stratigraphicdivisions according to time. The most important results fromthis field are found in the Tertiary bio– and chronostrati-graphic units.* David Serrat and Salvador Reguant (Universitat de Barcelonaand Institut d’Estudis Catalans) with the collaboration of EsteveCardellach (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) and Pere F.Santanach (Universitat de Barcelona and Institut d’EstudisCatalans).Tectonics  Tectonics are closely linked to the main areas of the EarthSciences: to sedimentology and stratigraphy when studyingthe surficial structures; to igneous and metamorphic petrolo-gy when studying the deformation of deep crust. However,recently geophysics and tectonics have become very close-ly linked. Thus in Catalonia, geology and geophysics havebeen progressively integrated since the 80s in all reseachcentres. The results are encouraging as many scientific pub-lications demonstrate. There are two main lines of scientificresearch in tectonics: the brittle deformation interacting withsedimentary processes, and rock deformation in deepzones of the crust in metamorphic conditions. All these as-pects are analised mainly through field research. Recent re-search has focused on conceptual and modelling perpec-tives of tectonic activity.Neotectonics and active tectonicsThis research field sheds light on the behaviour of faults andother phenomena producing earthquakes. It is important toestablish the seismic risk in Catalonia, given its dense popu-lation, and the great concentration of industry and roads. Infact, Catalonia has a low to moderate seismic activity, but ageneral understanding of neotectonics is useful in identify-ing the impact of modern tectonics in this area.GeophysicsTogether with other geoscientists, geophysicians have col-laborated in identifying specific problems related to cruststructure. By using geophysical methods and techniques –refraction and reflexion seismics, gravimetry, aeromagnet-ism, magnetotellurics, thermic conductivity, numeric model-ling, etc – the crust structure of large geological units (moun-tain chains, basins, platforms, etc ) has been established.The discovery of the continental lower crust subduction inthe Pyrenees has helped improve our understanding of platetectonics. Elsewhere the systematic use of paleomagnetismhas broadened our understanding of regional stratigraphy.GeomorphologyImproved geomorphologic maps have been drawn and nowattention is focused on evaluating the dangers of recent nat-ural processes exacerbated by human activity: erosion,floods, snow and ice dynamics. The Pyrenees andAntarctica are the two main areas where research is beingconducted using both field and teledetection techniques.Many of the research programs can be included in so-calledenvironmental geology. Together with the Geological Surveyand ski resorts a continuous survey of snowslides has beenintroduced over the last few years to avoid human risk.Similarly, studies on contamination from mines and quarriesare being undertaken. Finally, research is being conductedinto desertification and landscape degradation.HydrogeologyThe need for drinking water and water for irrigation is be-coming a dramatic problem for mankind. Hydrogeologycontributes to the finding of solutions to this problem.Hidrogeologists adopt a multidisciplinary approach, basedon sedimentology, meteorology and human impact studies.In recent years, as elsewhere in the world, researchers inthis field have focused atention not only on seeking newwater resources, but also on examining and, if possible,preventing the contamination of ground water reservoirs.Marine GeologyThis is a new and dynamic field of research in Catalonia.There are two teams of researchers, often working in collab-oration, that have made important contributions in variousocean areas as can be seen in table 6, presented below.PaleontologyThe contribution of Catalan researchers to different groupsof fossils are made through the specialized journals. Many ofinternational paleontological journals are not included in re-cently established parameters of SCI and analogues, butcommunication between paleontologists around the world ismore efficient than in other scientific fields precisely be-cause of their high degree of specialization. Each specialistin a particular fossil group has direct and personal commu-nication with the majority of their colleagues. The main con-tributions in paleontology in recent years have been in sys-tematics, paleoecology and biostratigraphy. Importantdiscoveries concerning hominids found in Catalonia, andelsewhere but studied in Catalan laboratories, have been re-ported in the international scientific press. The museums, asin many countries, are currently suffering reductions in per-sonnel and budgets.MineralogyThe main fields of mineral research are: characterization ofminerals and discovery of new mineral species; mineraloge-nesis and mineral ores; clay minerals and ceramics; geo-chemistry and evolution of potash basins. Many small re-search groups work in this field in close cooperation withtheir colleagues abroad.Outline of a quantitative analysisThe fact that geological research is mainly regional, meansthat scientific papers are frequently published in regionallanguages and in national journals that do not fulfil the condi-tions required by recent measurement systems on scientificquality, such as SCI and analogues, and as a result thesejournals are not taken into consideration. Consequently, thefigures for the publication of research results in the EarthSciences are hardly comparable to those from the classicalsciences of physics, chemistry or medicine.Here we present data on the geological research con-ducted in Catalonia in an attempt to evaluate: (1) the budgetassigned to this research field; (2) the results, as illustratedby the number of publications, and (3) the geographical ar-eas in which Catalan researchers are working.234 Contributions to ScienceResearch funding in the Earth Sciences in CataloniaTable 1 shows the amount of funding (in thousands of dol-lars) received for research work in the Earth Sciences at var-ious centres in Catalonia from 1990 to 1995 from a range ofgovernment bodies. In some years this information was notavailable (indicated with – ). Table 2 shows the amount (inthousands of dollars) devoted to special projects and re-search infrastructure from 1990-1995.Additionally, funding is received from external institu-tions. These amounts, in some cases, represent an impor-tant contribution to the research programs of some univer-sitary departments. To illustrate this, table 3 shows the datasupplied by the «Fundació Bosch i Gimpera» in relation tothe University of Barcelona corresponding to contractssigned in 1993 by the Faculty of Geology. In the table isalso indicated, by way of comparison, the amounts re-ceived by all Science Faculties (Mathematics, Physics,Chemistry, Biology and Geology), and all Faculties of theUniversity of Barcelona. The number of researchers is alsoshown.Forum 2351990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995CSIC – Institut Jaume Almera 1.131 841 2.152 2.193 1.959 1.407CSIC – Observatori de l’Ebre - 12 12 12 - 25CSIC – UEI de Geologia Marina - - 24 34 24 10Universitat de Girona - - 14 14 28 14Universitat de Barcelona 610 676 1.837 2.531 1.313 1.148Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona 139 153 191 231 161 143Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - 92 137 241 357 437Inst. de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont - 16 34 50 37 19Servei Geològic de Catalunya - - 90 2 34 83Table 1. Public funding for geological research (in thousands of dollars)1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995CSIC – Institut Jaume Almera 0 0 221 517 0 248CSIC – Observatori de l’Ebre 0 145 0 0 41 0Universitat de Girona 0 0 0 0 64 0Universitat de Barcelona 101 132 313 133 657 339Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona 0 0 0 152 0 0Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya 0 69 0 103 0 2Servei Geològic de Catalunya 172 0 0 0 0 0Table 2. Amounts devoted to special projects and research infrastructure, supplied by DGICYT and CICYT (in thousands of dollars)Amounts Number of(in thousand $) researchersFaculty of Geology 1.462 59All Science Faculties 4.917 534All UB Faculties 9.062 2.196Table 3. Amounts received in 1993, through contracts, for scientificresearch and the number of researchers1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995CSIC – Institut Jaume Almera 16 14 34 14 25 22Universitat de Girona - - - - 1 1Universitat de Barcelona 23 14 21 20 19 29Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona 3 1 10 3 3 10Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya 11 4 8 10 3 5Inst. de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont 1 0 0 2 6 6Servei Geològic de Catalunya 8 2 4 3 1 1Table 4. Number of papers in the Earth Sciences published in magazines included in SCI by researchers from the respective centresPublications on Earth Sciences (1990-1995)Table 4 shows the number of papers in the Earth Sciencespublished in magazines included in the Science CitationIndex by researchers from the different centres, accordingto information available.In some cases, it seems that the information is not entirelycorrect. However, as indicated above, in the Earth Sciencesthe number of publications in magazines included in SCI isnot the most accurate estimate of the value of the researchbeing undertaken. Nearly all research in geology is conduct-ed regionally and published in regional or national maga-zines. To estimate the partial value of the test based exclu-sively on the number of publications in magazines includedin SCI, table 5 shows the total number of publications at tworesearch centres compared with those published in maga-zines included in SCI.Earth Sciences research by Catalans around the worldResearch in the Earth Sciences is mainly conducted on fieldexpeditions. Therefore an important element for determiningthe extent of topics handled by Catalan researchers is toknow the areas that have been the subject of their studies. Astudy is available (Salvador Reguant: «La geologia deCatalunya avui dia: entre la fixitat de la imatge i la dinàmicade la realitat». In Joan Vilà Valentí «10 reflexions sobre laciència», Barcelona 1996) which includes information onthis topic with reference to researchers of the «Universitat deBarcelona» (UB), the «Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona»(UAB) and the «Institut Jaume Almera» (IJA) from 1990 to1994. The results can be summarized as shown in Table 6.David Serratdavidc@natura.geo.ub.esSalvador Reguantsreguant@natura.geo.ub.esEsteve Cardellachesteve.cardellach@uab.esPere F. Santanachpsantanach@natura.geo.ub.es236 Contributions to ScienceTotal UAB SCI UAB Total IJA SCI IJA1990 43 3 70 161991 39 1 52 141992 38 10 67 341993 30 3 39 141994 28 3 78 251995 47 10 92 22Table 5. Total number of Earth Science publications by researchersat the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and the InstitutJaume Almera (IJA) in comparison with the number published inmagazines included in SCIEUROPE: Spain, Andorra, France. Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, United KingdomGreece, Slovakia, Poland, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania, Ukraine, Russia.AFRICA: Morocco, Algeria, Kenya, Reunion.ASIA: Russia, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Tibet, ChinaNORTH AMERICA: Canada, United States, MexicoCENTRAL AMERICA: Cuba, Hispaniola, NicaraguaSOUTH AMERICA: Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Easter IslandOCEANIA: Tahiti, Moorea, HuahineANTARCTICA: South Shetlands (Livingstone, Snow, Robert and Nelson)OCEANS AND SEAS: Mediterranean, Black, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, Arctic, AntarcticTable 6. Countries in which catalan researchers of UB, UAB, and IJA have worked from 1990 to 1994

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Earth sciencies in Catalonia : 1990-1995

Earth sciencies in Catalonia : 1990-1995

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