Academic CentreThe Department of Geology focuses on various lines of research that deepen the understanding of the Earth's structure and resources. The department deals with sedimentology and vertebrate palaeontology of the Devonian period, studying fossils of ancient organisms and the formation of sedimentary rocks. Geophysical research helps to learn about the Earth's structure and processes using various physical methods. Polar research focuses on the study of the Arctic and Antarctic regions, where the processes of climate and ice change are studied. Mineral geology focuses on the exploration and sustainable use of resources. Groundwater research focuses on the study of water resources and their protection. These lines of research contribute to the understanding of the natural resources and processes that shape our planet's environment.
The geology department consists of five laboratories and two centers.
Head: Professor Ervīns Lukševičs
E-mail: ervins.luksevics@lu.lv
The main goal of the department is to provide high-quality research and study work in bedrock geology and related fields. It promotes understanding of Earth's history, resource use and natural processes that are essential for sustainable development.
Scientific research directions: bedrock geology, mineralogy, paleontology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, formation of mineral deposits
Head: Andis Kalvāns
E-mail: andis.kalvans@lu.lv
The purpose of the department is to coordinate and carry out research work in the sub-field of applied geology and to ensure the involvement of academic staff in teaching courses in the bachelor's, master's and doctoral study programs of geology, as well as in other study programs of the University of Warsaw.
Scientific research directions: Engineering geology, hydrogeology, geophysics, mineral geology, glaciology, geological modeling, geoarchaeology, modern geological processes.
Ģeoloģijas nodaļas sastāvā ietilpst piecas laboratorijas un divi centri.
Director: Daira Krope
E-mail: daira.krope@lu.lv
The Laboratory of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology (HIL) of the Department of Geology of LU EZTF participates in the implementation of bachelor's and master's study programs and doctoral studies in geography, geology and environmental sciences; conducts scientific and experimental activities, introducing the latest research methodologies and findings. The purpose of HIL's activity is to ensure the study process and scientific activity, as well as learning and implementing the latest research methods of hydrogeology and engineering geology.
Main tasks:
- to provide laboratory works, practicals, seminars of various study courses (engineering geology, soil mechanics, engineering geological studies and methods, hydrogeology, laboratory research methods in geology, etc.);
- to ensure scientific research of students, doctoral students and academic staff;
- ensure the implementation of the latest research methods in the industry.
- The laboratory has a wide offer of testing the physical and mechanical properties of soil.
Testing the physical properties of the soil:
- Reduction of laboratory samples according to LVS EN 932-2:1999
- Petrographic description according to LVS EN 932-3:1996L
- Determination of water content according to LVS EN ISO 17892-1:2015, LVS EN 1097-5:2012
- Determination of volumetric mass (density) according to LVS EN ISO 17892-2:2015, LVS EN 933-1:2013
- Density of mineral particles according to LVS EN ISO 17892-3:2015-12-15
- Determination of particle size distribution (granulometric composition) according to LVS EN ISO 17892-4:2016 and LVS EN 933-1:2013 L and ISO 11277:2020
- Index of slatiness of mineral materials LVS EN 933-3:2014 L
- Shape index of mineral materials LVS EN 933-4:2012 L
Plasticity indicators according to:
- Yield strength (falling cone) and plasticity limits LVS CEN ISO/TS 17892-12:2018
- Limits of yield (balancing Vasiliev cone) and plasticity GOST 5180-2015
Filtration coefficient:
- Filtration coefficient (for clayey and sandy soil) according to LVS CEN ISO/TS 17892-11:2019
- Filtration coefficient (for clayey and sandy soil) GOST 25584-90
- Filtration coefficient at max density according to "National roads of Latvia" Road specifications 2017 12.3. Annex and GOST 25584-90, Annex 5.
Proctor compaction according to LVS EN 13286-2:2012/NAC:2015
The angle of the natural slope according to E. Chapovski's method
Content of organic substances according to ISO 11277:2020, LVS EN 1997-2+AC:2014 L, "Latvian national roads" Road specifications 2017 12.5. of the appendix.
Testing the mechanical properties of the soil:
- Staged loading test with oedometer (deformation modulus Eoed, consolidation factor cv) according to LVS EN ISO 17892-5:2017, ASTM D-2166, ASTM D-2435, ASTM D-2435M-11, ASTM D-3877
- Simple and direct shear tests (angle of internal friction, bond) according to LVS EN ISO 17892-10:2018, ASTM D-3080 and ASTM D-6528
- Consolidated triaxial compression tests for water-saturated soils - CIU, CAU, CID, CAD tests (ISO 17892-9, ASTM D-4767, ASTM D-7181) and unconsolidated undrained triaxial test (UU) according to ISO 17892-8, ASTM D-2850
Director: Daira Krope
E-mail: daira.krope@lu.lv
The Rock Research Laboratory participates in the implementation of geology study programs, carries out scientific and experimental activities, introducing the latest research methodologies and findings. The purpose of the laboratory's operation is to ensure the study process and scientific activity.
Main tasks:
- provide study courses (in rock research methods, sedimentology, sedimentology, geochemistry, etc.) laboratory work, practicals, seminars;
- to ensure scientific research of students, doctoral students and academic staff;
- implementation of the latest research methods in the industry.
The rock research laboratory provides equipment and facilities for the production of thin sections for microscopic studies, analysis of particle size distribution of the fine fraction of sediments, measurements of parameters of the chemical composition of natural waters under field conditions and rock strength tests.
Director: researcher Alise Babre
E-mail: alise.babre@lu.lv
Head: professor Ervīns Lukševičs
E-mail: ervins.luksevics@lu.lv
Mineralogy and Palaeontology Laboratory of the UL FGES participates in the implementation of the study programmes in geology and geography, as well as carry out research using optical microscopy and mechanical preparation of research objects. The main aim of the laboratory is to support the study process and scientific activities.
The main tasks:
- to provide laboratory work for the study courses (Rocks and Minerals, Quaternary Geology, Micropalaeontology, Mineralogy, Palaeontology and Stratigraphy, etc.);
- provide research facilities for bachelor's, master's and doctoral students and academic staff;
- preserving scientifically valuable specimens before they are handed over to museums.
Mineralogy and Palaeontology Laboratory provides: equipment and facilities for mechanical preparation of minerals and fossils with pneumatic tools, rotary power tools or mounted needles, microscopy of specimens, photography and photogrammetry of macroscopic and microscopic specimens.
Other units in the Department:
Ģeoloģijas nodaļas vadītājs
