Istituto scienze della Terra (IST)

Institute of Earth Sciences (IST)

The Institute carries out its activities within the framework of disciplines aimed at the management and protection of the environment and its resources. It conducts applied research, provides services and contributes to teaching in basic and continuing education.

This page brings together some relevant information and presents it in a concise manner. Detailed information about the Institute of Earth Sciences is available by visiting the Institute's website.

The Earth Sciences Institute mainly carries out research-related activities in the following areas:

Water

Water resources and aquatic ecosystems

Applied research and monitoring of the environmental characteristics of lakes, rivers and groundwater. By means of a cross-sectoral approach that considers the availability of water resources and the chemical and biological quality of water, effective and sustainable management of freshwater systems is promoted among public and private users, ensuring the protection of their quality and biodiversity.

Earth

Physical characteristics and environmental conditions

Study of the physical and chemical characteristics of the non-living environment, from subsurface geology to geomorphology and landscape evolution. Integrated analysis of past, present and future environmental and climatic conditions. Applied research and monitoring in this field contribute to sustainable land, natural hazards and resource management through a better understanding of natural processes and phenomena.

Data

Geodata and environmental technologies

Collection, management and processing of data to address societal and spatial challenges, both locally and globally. Applied research for the development of systems for the integration and analysis of environmental and spatial data through the application of state-of-the-art technologies in order to identify environmental trends, relationships and criticalities. Support for the development of evidence-based policies to address territorial challenges.

Territory and Society

Inclusive and sustainable development

The challenges posed by climate change find answers in the appropriate use of resources for sustainable spatial development that is able to use inclusive tools for community involvement. This area deals with applied research for the natural and built environment, environmental resources and infrastructure, involving institutional actors and the population.
The competence center reports to the Institute:

The Earth Science Institute mainly conducts research-related activities in the following areas:

Geology

The Institute is active in research projects aimed at the cartography and evolution ofthe geological landscape, sustainable management of land, geological and energy resources and studying the impact of climate change on the abiotic environment.
 

Geomatics

The Institute conducts research and technological development in the field of geodata and digital transformation on the topics of surveying, monitoring and management of land and its resources.
 

Hydrogeology

The Institute is involved in research, consultancy and training for sustainable management of groundwater resources.
 

Hydrology

The Institute provides integrated studies and assessments of the state of water resources and the critical issues that may threaten them.
 

Aquatic ecology

The Institute is involved in research, consultancy and training for the protection, rehabilitation and sustainable use of ecosystems
freshwater.
 

The Institute collaborates with universities, public administrations and private companies on a national and international level in the realisation of territory-related applied research projects financed by European and national funds, public and private entities.

The Institute collaborates with universities, public administrations and private companies on a national and international level in the realisation of territory-related applied research projects financed by European and national funds, public and private entities.

Plastic debris in lakes and reservoirs

Veronica Nava, Sudeep Chandra, Roberto Bao, Julian Aherne, María B. Alfonso, Ana M. Antão-Geraldes, Katrin Attermeyer, Marcin Biernaczyk, Mireia Bartrons, Raphael Bissen, Stella A. Berger, Justin D. Brookes, David Brown, Moisés Canle, Miguel Cañedo-Argüelles, Camilla Capelli, Rafael Carballeira, José Luis Cereijo, Sakonvan Chawchai, Søren T. Christensen, Kirsten S. Christoffersen, Elvira de Eyto, Tyler N. Dornan, Jorge Delgado, Jonathan P. Doubek, Julia Dusaucy, Oxana Erina, Zeynep Ersoy, Heidrun Feuchtmayr, Maria Luce Frezzotti, Silvia Galafassi, David Gateuille, Vitor Gonçalves, Ted D. Harris, David P. Hamilton, Hans-Peter Grossart, Gökben Başaran Kankılıç, Külli Kangur, Rebecca Kessler, Christine Kiel, Edward M. Krynak, Àngels Leiva-Presa, Fabio Lepori, Miguel G. Matias, Shin ichiro S. Matsuzaki, Beata Messyasz, Yvonne McElarney, Mark Mitchell, Musa C. Mlambo, Samuel N. Motitsoe, Sarma Nandini, Caroline Owens, Valentina Orlandi, Deniz Özkundakci, Solvig Pinnow, Agnieszka Pociecha, Pedro Miguel Raposeiro, Eva Ingrid Rõõm, Nico Salmaso, Federica Rotta, S. S.S. Sarma, Claver Sibomana, Davide Sartirana, Facundo Scordo, Daniel Siewert, Katarzyna Stepanowska, Maria Tereshina, Monica Tolotti, James Thompson, Ülkü Nihan Tavşanoğlu, Brian Wesolek, Amanda Valois, Brittany Welsh, Piet Verburg, Gesa A. Weyhenmeyer, Naicheng Wu, Edyta Zawisza, Barbara Leoni, Lauren Zink

Nature, pp. -

The institute offers various field measurement and data supply and processing services according to the specialised field.

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Analysis of natural hazards and risks by gravitational processes

Stability analysis of natural and artificial slopes, numerical modeling of processes, and creation of natural hazards and risk maps.

Analysis of natural hazards and risks for fluvial and torrential processes

Hydrological analysis for the assessment of river peak flow, hydraulic modeling for the determination of hazard areas for flooding and debris flow phenomena. 

Appraisals in the planning area

We prepare expert reports analyzing revisions of master plans, detailed plans or neighborhood plans, and construction projects for their suitability and eligibility from the standpoint of land use planning, environment, and protection.

Architectural survey

On demand we carry out surveys of architectural objects in their entirety or only of a specific part.

Assessment of the chemical, physical and biological status of lakes and rivers

Assessing and monitoring the ecological status of lakes and rivers involves measuring multiple chemical, physical and biological parameters, including key bio-indicators.

Compaction tests

Determination of the degree of soil compaction as a function of its water content, to measure the optimum moisture state to achieve the maximum dry density of the foundation soil.

Consolidation and swelling measurements

Analysis of soil consolidation and swelling by automatic edometer for different steps of loading and unloading.

Continuous Groundwater Monitoring

Monitoring of groundwater level, temperature and conductivity in order to be able to define the most suitable processing techniques and comply with current legislative regulations regarding the modification and alteration of groundwater at the construction site.

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Institute of Earth Sciences

University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland

Via Flora Ruchat-Roncati 15
CH-6850 Mendrisio