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Getting to Know the Applied Geology Scientific Group (KK Geologi Terapan) at ITB

By: Dasapta Erwin Irawan

The Applied Geology Scientific Group (KK Geologi Terapan) at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) is a research group focused on applying geological knowledge to various aspects of life. It is grounded in the fundamental principles of geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geomaterials, geofluids, geomechanics, and abiotic physical environments. KK Geologi Terapan is at the forefront of research and innovation in earth sciences, particularly in natural resource management, spatial planning, and environmental sustainability.

EXCELLENCE AREAS AND RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT

Governance Theme
KK Geologi Terapan places great emphasis on integrated and sustainable natural resource management.

  • Integrated groundwater resource management is developed to optimize groundwater use without disrupting environmental balance.
  • Environmental geology and land-use planning aim to understand the interaction between geological conditions and human activities to support safe and environmentally conscious spatial planning.
  • Spatial Multi Criteria Evaluation (SMCE) is used in zoning for land use based on multiple criteria, enabling more objective and measurable decision-making.
  • Geomorphology and active fault geomorphology are crucial for understanding surface formation processes and identifying disaster risks related to active faults.
  • Geotourism and geoparks are developed to preserve significant geological sites and educate the public about earth sciences and environmental conservation.
  • Geoarchaeology uses geological approaches to study past environmental changes and predict future changes.

Modeling Theme
Modeling research is conducted to gain deeper insights into geological processes for resource exploration, disaster mitigation, and infrastructure development.

  • Geofluid modeling and simulation include groundwater flow, geothermal fluids, and oil and gas to support exploration and resource management.
  • Modeling and simulation for engineering geology provide understanding of subsurface conditions to support safe and efficient infrastructure development.
  • Engineering geology modeling for underground construction focuses on planning and risk mitigation for tunnels, basements, and other underground structures.
  • Spatial and temporal Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods (e.g., AHP, WoE, Fuzzy) are highly useful in complex decision-making processes, including risk evaluation, development prioritization, and spatial planning.

Geological Forensics Theme
KK Geologi Terapan is also active in geological forensics, applying earth sciences to investigate and solve environmental and engineering problems.

  • Geomechanics is applied to analyze soil and rock stability, crucial for construction and disaster mitigation such as landslides and earthquakes.
  • Forensic hydrogeology is used to uncover groundwater movement patterns, especially in urban areas, volcanoes, and karst regions prone to change.
  • Forensic engineering geology investigates causes of construction failures or infrastructure damage due to geological factors.
  • Identification of geothermal fluid contamination potential is important to ensure geothermal exploration does not negatively impact the surrounding environment.

Natural Resource Exploration Theme
Natural resource management requires appropriate approaches to optimize benefits sustainably.

  • Geothermal and geothermal exploration aim to discover and develop geothermal energy potential as a renewable energy source.
  • Sustainable groundwater exploration is vital to ensure water availability for future community and industrial needs.
  • Identification of overpressure phenomena in hydrocarbon exploration ensures safe and efficient oil and gas drilling while minimizing accident risks.

With its broad and impactful research scope, KK Geologi Terapan offers opportunities for research collaboration and contributes significantly to development and environmental conservation in Indonesia.

Read more on the Ecohydrology of Cikapundung page.

PERSONNEL OF KK GEOLOGI TERAPAN AND THEIR RESEARCH FIELDS

Ever wondered how research direction and scientific development in Applied Geology at ITB are shaped? Through the document “Mapping Needs and Academic Functional Position Formation of the Applied Geology Scientific Group”, you can gain deeper insight into the strategies and scientific development roadmap of this group. The document provides a comprehensive overview of:

  • Research roots & scientific roadmap: Focused on geology applications in environment, energy, infrastructure, and water, and their relation to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Featured research themes: Covering water resource governance, geological modeling, geological forensics, and natural resource exploration.
  • Scientific fields and faculty members: Includes a list of current and future scientific fields, along with faculty members and their academic positions.

🔍 Background

KKGT focuses on applied branches of geology closely related to community life, such as engineering geology, hydrogeology, and environmental geology. Therefore, human resource and scientific development are directed to align with societal needs and sustainable development.

🎯 Main Objectives

  • Develop a scientific and research roadmap.
  • Align scientific field development with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Structure academic functional position formation.

🧭 Scientific Roadmap

KKGT’s scientific development is linked to five main focuses:

  1. Environmental geology and geoconservation
  2. Energy resilience
  3. Infrastructure and disaster management
  4. Engineering geology
  5. Water resilience

Each focus includes specific research themes such as:

  • Groundwater governance
  • Geotourism and geoparks
  • Geofluid and engineering geology modeling
  • Geological forensics
  • Geothermal and hydrocarbon exploration

🌱 Connection to SDGs

KKGT’s scientific fields support the achievement of SDGs, especially:

  • SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
  • SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
  • SDG 11: Sustainable cities
  • SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • SDG 13: Climate action

This document is highly useful for academics, students, and the public who want to understand the real contributions of applied geology in solving earth and environmental problems in Indonesia. Want to know more? Feel free to read the full document and discover new insights into scientific development at KK Geologi Terapan FITB ITB!

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