Special Sessions
SPECIAL SESSIONS
S1. Evolving techniques in the study of sediments
The principal objective of this session is to document recent developments in the various aspects of Sedimentology.
For this reason, we seek contributions related to (but not limited to) the following:
- Sedimentary processes and depositional settings
- Offshore/Onshore Sedimentary Basin hydrocarbon potential in Greece
- Cyclothematic sedimentation
- Sea-level impact on Carbonate factories and terrigenous settings
- Volcaniclastic sedimentation and tephra markers
- Imprint of Ocean dynamics on sediments
- Anthropogenic impact on sedimentary environments
- Remote sensing applications in evolving sedimentary environments
- Diagenetic processes in carbonates
- Synsedimentary deformation
In this regard, the special session will be very useful to deepen the knowledge of several methods used to study sediment.
The special session is held under the auspices of the Hellenic Association of Sedimentologists.
The full-text articles submitted to this Special Session will have the opportunity to be submitted for publication in the Special Issue, organized by the Journal of Marine Sciences and Engineering (Impact Factor = 2.458, Cite Score = 2.0, Scopus Indexed)
(https://www.mdpi.com/journal/jmse/special_issues/cl_gsg2022_sedimentology).
Full papers should be submitted at the email addresses of the guest editors before the deadline of 31/9/2022. Five high-quality original research articles, as selected by the guest editors, will be published free of charge, while a 50% discount will be provided for additional five articles. After the above selection, articles will be published immediately after the reviewers and editors accept them; thus, there will be no need to wait for the deadline for the Special Issue to view them.
Gratefully acknowledged by the Organizing Committee of the 16th International Congress of the Geological Society of Greece, the publication fees for the selected papers are kindly being sponsored by the Journal of Marine Sciences and Engineering.
Conveners:
George Kontakiotis, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens;
Angelos G. Maravelis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki;
Avraam Zelilidis, University of Patras
S2. Quaternary processes and geoenvironments in the active Corinth Rift
The Corinth Gulf area is a laboratory for studying the dynamic environment evolution in a young and active rift. The onshore and offshore sedimentary record of the Corinth rift offers unique temporal and spatial insights into the interplay between tectonics, climatic and surface processes. This high-resolution archive records the climate control on sea level fluctuations, basin sedimentary supply, as well as the response of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems to Quaternary glacial/interglacial cycles.
The area has gained the attention of several earth scientists from various fields, including an IODP coring campaign (IOPD Exp. 381: Corinth Active Rift Development) during late 2017-early 2018. This session intends to bring together scientists from different disciplines such as geomorphology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, paleontology, geochemistry, geochronology, tectonics, geophysics, seismology, structural geology, geohazards dealing with the sedimentary record of the Corinth Rift area.
Conveners:
Maria Geraga, University of Patras;
Katerina Kouli, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens;
Lisa McNeill, University of Southampton UK;
Georgios Michas, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
S3. The Hellenides: Tectonostratigraphic terranes, tectonic units and orogenic evolution
Despite extensive studies on the Hellenides over the last decades, a number of controversies remain concerning the tectonostratigraphic terranes, tectonic units and orogenic evolution of this Alpine-type orogenic system. This special session aims to address these controversies and shed some more light into current theories. We invite presentations that cover a wide range of multi-disciplinary approaches from field-based to laboratory-based studies. Particular attention will be given on themes such as: The pre-orogenic palaeogeographic configuration as a mean to understand the Alpine evolution; the correlation of the Hellenides with the Anatolides; single and multi subduction-zone scenarios; the significance of the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous orogenic pulse; Tertiary collision and nappe stacking; tectono-metamorphic evolution of (ultra)high-pressure belts; and back-arc opening in the Aegean region.
Conveners:
Dimitris Papanikolaou, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens;
Bernhard Grasemann, University of Vienna AT;
Paris Xypolias, University of Patras
S4. Recent Advances in InSAR and GNSS Applications for Crustal Deformation mapping and monitoring
The unprecedented access to SAR observations from ESA’s Sentinel-1A/B satellites, has resulted in a remarkable increase in SAR data availability that have contributed to numerous studies on crustal deformation patterns around the globe. The continuous upgrade of the GNSS constellations have also provided high-quality signals for computing accurate ground displacement due to earthquakes, fault creep and other phenomena. The synergy of these data has resulted in a new age for GNSS and InSAR results, providing enormous scientific opportunities coupled with significant technical and computational challenges. Here we invite contributions with new observations, methods and strategies that address these opportunities, highlighting recent GNSS and InSAR developments in the following areas: (1) crustal deformation studies that take advantage of the geodetic time-series information and development of new data products and models of tectonic strain; (2) Advances in big data, machine learning and cloud-based processing techniques applied to GNSS and InSAR, 3) development and distribution of data and value-added products through platforms such as EPOS; (4) submissions that focus on new applications of GNSS and InSAR to earthquakes, ground subsidence and volcanic activity.
Invited Speaker: Dr Pierre Briole, Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris, France. E-mail: briole@ens.fr
Conveners:
Athanassios Ganas, National Observatory of Athens;
Panagiotis Elias, National Observatory of Athens;
Vassilis Sakkas, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
S5. Insights into the Nature of the Earth’s Upper Mantle approached from the study of Ophiolites and Volcanic Rocks
The petrological, geochemical and structural study of ophiolites is of immense importance to unravel and shed light on the origin and nature of the oceanic lithosphere. This is essential for resolving complex plate tectonic processes and effects attributed to subduction-related processes. Lavas and their derivatives having oceanic lithosphere and/or subduction associated affinities provide additional information about melt segregation, degrees of partial melting, as well P-T conditions that occur in the depths of their origin contributing towards better understanding the magmatic processes and the evolution of the Earth’s crust and mantle.
The session welcomes contributions focusing on:
- Petrogenetic processes of ophiolites and volcanic rocks inferred through their mineralogy, petrology and geochemistry.
- Insights into the formation, evolution and emplacement of ophiolites;
- The nature of the metasomatic agents and serpentinization;
- Comprehension of subduction-associated phenomena.
- Ore genesis within the mantle and mantle-Moho transition.
Conveners:
Petros Koutsovitis, University of Patras;
Andreas Magganas, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens;
Panagiotis Pomonis, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
S6. The Hydrocarbon prospectivity of SE Mediterranean: targets and opportunities
We invite researchers to submit their work in the field of hydrocarbon exploration or exploitation either in Greece or around the wider SE Mediterranean region, and more specifically in the following topics:
- The exploration and identification of hydrocarbon fields based on fieldwork and the interpretation of subsurface data (seismic reflections and drilling data).
- The prospecting for source rocks, with a detailed stratigraphic, geochemical and sedimentological analysis, and the environmental conditions during their deposition (biostratigraphy, microfacies analysis).
- The classification and identification of potential reservoirs.
- The analysis of the tectonic regime, determining the types of possible traps and their evolution spatially and temporally.
- Strategic studies on the environmental impacts from the exploitation of hydrocarbons.
- Activities related to Drilling, Reservoir and Production Engineering aspects of Hydrocarbons, CCUS and deep high enthalpy geothermal reservoirs, such as testing, logging, monitoring and simulation of E&P relevant wells and fields.
- The modeling of oil spill fate and transport. Every aspect relevant to E&P such as SEIA, BSR, EAP, ESIA, EIA and HSE awareness.
- Examples of using integrated multi-physics (seismic, electromagnetic, gravity, magnetic, etc.) studies and/or novel machine learning techniques for exploration or reservoir characterization in the SE Mediterranean region.
Recognizing the global energy transition trend, we will try to highlight the efforts towards a sustainable exploration and exploitation of our energy sources.
The special session is held in cooperation with the Hellenic Association of Sedimentologists.
The articles submitted to this Special Session will have the opportunity to be submitted for publication in the Special Issue, organized by the Geosciences (Cite Score = 3.4, Scopus Indexed) (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/geosciences/special_issues/hydrocarbon_prospectivity).
Three selected by the Guest Editors’ high-quality original research articles will be published free of charge, while a 50% discount will be provided for additional five (5) articles for their publication. This will be a dynamic Special Issue, in which articles will be published as soon as the reviewers and editors are ready to accept them, without waiting for the deadline for the entire Special Issue to arrive. Full papers should be submitted at the email addresses of the guest editors before the deadline of 31/9/2022.
Gratefully acknowledged by the Organizing Committee of the 16th International Congress of the Geological Society of Greece, the publication fees for the selected papers are kindly being sponsored by Geosciences.
Conveners:
Avraam Zelilidis, Hydrocarbon Research Institute, P.E.K. University of Patras;
Nikolaos Pasadakis, Institute of Petroleum Research, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas;
Aristofanis Stefatos, Hellenic Hydrocarbon Resources Management SA.
S7. Remote Sensing Techniques in Geohazards
It is well known that the frequency of natural hazards tends to increase the last decade. Despite the fact that the climate change has not been statistically correlated with the continuous increase in hydrometereological hazards (i.e. landslide occurrence and flooding), the recent cases that occurred in Greece but also globally, show that the intensity of these phenomena and the severity of the induced damages to manmade environment is getting much higher. In addition, earthquakes and secondary phenomena i.e. coseismic landslides, liquefaction, tsunamis etc., keep occurring in prone to earthquake regions, causing related disasters. A holistic study of these hazards includes, among other topics, either the spatial delineation of the most likely to failure areas (susceptibility) before the occurrence of the hazardous event but also the rapid record of the generated damages as soon as possible after the triggering of the natural event.
This special session focuses on the crucial role that remote sensing techniques can play to accomplish both goals. In particular, the purpose of this session is to provide the researchers the opportunity to present their work concerning the data processing of satellite imagery (optical and radar), aerial photographs and UAS- or LiDAR surveys (aerial or terrestrial). Case studies from recent disaster events and studies are expected, while contributions can be addressed issues focusing on new methodologies.
Conveners:
Sotiris Valkaniotis, Democritus University of Thrace;
Emmanuel Vassilakis, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens;
George Papathanassiou, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
S8. New perspectives for the monitoring and early detection of Geohazards
There are several types of geohazards with different natural and artificial causes and all of them have the potential to create problems on the natural and man-made environment. Geohazards can develop quickly in response to the processes that drive them, or take decades, hundreds, or thousands of years to develop to a point where they pose a threat to the safety of people and infrastructures. Their existence is an indication of the continuous earth evolution and lately of the negative effects of climate change in the environment. Primary geohazards include earthquake, volcanic eruptions, and hydrometeorological phenomena. Geohazards can trigger secondary geohazards such as ground subsidence and rupture, liquefaction, tsunamis, debris flows, avalanches, landslides, flooding, etc., which in recent days can be monitored with a greater efficiency due to the development of a more accurate ground based and airborne instrumentation. The scope of the proposed special session is to present recent developments on the monitoring and early detection of geohazards with an emphasis given in ground deformation. Towards this scope real case studies and some critical problems associated with field implementation and monitoring systems will be presented and thoroughly discussed.
Conveners:
Constantinos Loupasakis, National Technical University of Athens;
Harry Saroglou, National Technical University of Athens;
George Papathanassiou, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
S9. Geological heritage for education and sustainable development
Sub-session 1: Geoheritage, geoconservation, geoeducation, geoethics
“Geoheritage” is a new term that assumes man’s complete perception of nature and the environment. It aims to highlight the diversity of our planet to illustrate the importance of the biotic and abiotic factors, which document the historical evolution of the Earth. Geoconservation and geoethics are two emerging geoscience domains. Both topics have gained increasing attention from geoscientists and society over the last decade, but the main geoethical dilemmas associated with the conservation and management of geoheritage have yet to be identified.
During the last two decades, the concepts of geoconservation, geoheritage and geoethics have become more widely known. But how are these subjects studied? Are there any applications to that knowledge? Geoeducation constitutes the main tool for first transmitting knowledge and at the same time emphasizing the importance of geoheritage and geoconservation.
This session is devoted to all subjects related to Geoheritage as a promising geotourism product that will lead to the sustainable development of society and will contribute to geoinformation, education, knowledge and public awareness on issues concerning geoconservation and protection.
Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:
- scientific studies of geoheritage presenting geosites occurring in different geological and geomorphological contexts
- techniques for the enhancement of Geoheritage
- significance of geoheritage in human life
- geosciences education for sustainability
- educational programmes
- sustainable geotourism, which highlight problems connected with the management of geological heritage
- sustainable use of natural and cultural heritage and resources
- Valorisation of geoheritage for sustainable and innovative tourism development
Conveners:
Hara Drinia, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens;
Nikolaos Zouros, University of the Aegean;
Asimina Antonarakou, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
S9. Geological heritage for education and sustainable development
Sub-session 2: Achieving sustainable development through geoheritage
Sustainable development goals are the top priority of modern societies to overpass critical situations and risks that climate crisis, pandemics and economic disturbance impose to humans and our fragile planet too. Global UNESCO Geoparks, but not only, serve as model areas where initiatives, actions and methodologies are developed and applied in situ, using geological and geomorphological heritage as a locomotive to achieve these goals.
Assessment of geoheritage, geoconservation and geo-interpretation, adaptation and implementation of modern technologies to communicate and disseminate geological values and knowledge, risk mitigation based on existing geoheritage, initiatives for the holistic management of abiotic and living nature and synergies with local communities and producers are some of the approaches used to achieve sustainability in local level.
This session is addressed thus to all earth and nature scientists focusing on the study, interpretation, conservation and management of our abiotic nature as a tool for local sustainable development.
We welcome research studies related with:
- Inventory and assessment of geosites
- Monitoring, conservation and interpretation of geological heritage
- New technologies (Story maps, VR, AR etc.) to study, interpret and promote geological heritage
- Using geoheritage for risk mitigation
- Holistic management of geo- and bio-diversity
- Advances in geotourism and engagement of local communities and producers
- Aspiring geoparks in the Balkans and south-east Mediterranean
Conveners:
Charalampos Fassoulas, University of Crete;
Georgios Iliopoulos, University of Patras;
Nikolaos Zouros, University of the Aegean