Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration (I.G.M.E.) Institute of Geology & Mineral Exploration of Greece 70 MESSOGHION ST. ATHENS 11527 GREECE TEL : + 30 1 7795093, + 30 1 7772891 FAX: + 30 1 7752211 TELEX: 216357 INTERNET: http://www.igme.gr Historical Overview The Geological Survey was essentially initiated by state authorities in Greece, in the 1930's, as the Geological Service of the Ministry of National Economy. Their activity, however, was not systematic in character. In 1952 the Institute of Geology and Subsurface Research (IGSR) was founded. Its successors comprise the National Institute of Geology and Mining Research (NIGMR) in 1972. IGME was founded in 1976, and by legislation is the State's technical adviser in geoscientific matters. Its fundamental aims is the geological study of the country, and the exploration -evaluation of the mineral raw materials (except hydrocarbons) and groundwater resources. This aim is accomplished by the activities of its divisions, according to the general directions drawn by the Minister of Industry, in the framework of the Government’s mining policy. IGME also co-operates with other Institutes in Greece and abroad, through bilateral co-operation of joint research programmes. Main activities Basic geological research Exploration & evaluation of ore deposits, industrial minerals, marbles, solid fuels, geothermical fields, radioactive ore minerals Hydrogeology Engineering geology Marine geological surveys Geophysical & Geochemical surveys Mineralogical & petrological studies Technology-Beneficiation-Mettalurgy of mineral raw materials Chemical studies & analyses of Rocks-Ores-Waters Environmental protection Computer processing, publication & documentation, International scientific cooperation Research activity overview Specific topics of the IGME's research activity are: Systematic basic surveys, including geological maps at scales of 1:25 000, 1:50 000, 1:200 000 and 1:500 000. The carrying out of specialised surveys: geophysical, geochemical, photogeological, structural, economic geology, mineralogical and geothermal. Search, recording and evaluation of mineral raw materials (except hydrocarbons). Search, recording and evaluation of the country's ground water supply, to help the development of agricultural economy, and to satisfy urban and industrial needs of the country. Investigation and study of geotechnical problems, which are connected to either catastrophic phenomena (earthquakes, landslides) or the planning and carrying out of technical and development projects (dams, communication projects, tunnels, etc.). Different specialised surveys in the field, (economic geology, mining, geophysical, geochemical, remote sensing, geothermal, and marine geological investigations), whereas specific laboratory studies are carried out either independently or for the completion of field work (petrographical, mineralogical, palaentological, sedimentological, chemical, research and studies in benefication and treatment of ores, engineering geology - soil mechanics). The above surveys are completed with specific feasibility studies for the potential economic development of ore-body resources. A number of Support Services, are operating in IGME, which include: Organised library, computer department, archive of aerial photographs and topographical maps, graphic arts laboratory, publications department and auxiliary services. Marine geology department The department of Marine Geology is an Independent service having seven geologists and one technician, with all necessary field and laboratory equipment to carry out successfully the research. Since 1983, the Marine Geology Department (MGD) has proposed eight projects to EU programs from which six have been approved and funded. In these projects the role of MGD was from coordinator to associate contractor, and were carried out successfully. Some of the projects currently under way by the above department are listed below. Related Projects Research of the southern Aegean Volcanic Arc. Geology of the Quaternary basins of the Aegean. Mapping of continental shelf and the adjacent slope in western Aegean. Applied marine geological works (i.e. port construction, cable laying etc.). Construction of the marine geological maps of Greece (in scale 1: 200.000). Mapping of active faults in the Greek territory. MARGIS: MARine Geological Information System. Project GEOCHARTA . Main aim of this project is to produce a cartographic data base with almost 20 different layers of information about Geology and Mineral Exploration in the scale 1:50.000. In this project, particular part is devoted to our Marine Geological Data. IGME Website: http://www.igme.gr