Almost all geological subdisciplines depend, to varying extents, on regional geological knowledge. Stratigraphic terminology is typically well-defined, while other concepts rely on generally accepted definitions or hierarchical schemes, such as palaeontological, structural and magmatic terminologies. This is much less the case for the regional geological building blocks. Their nomenclature is usually composed of a reference to a geographical locality and a geological term. Examples from Belgium include the (Anglo-)Brabant Massif, Campine Basin, and Malmedy Graben. Despite wide recognition, such terms often lack precise definitions and may even present conflicting interpretations across different contexts and authors. Even when their meanings have drifted or become less precise, these terms continue to be utilized. Increased awareness has led to significant yet isolated initiatives aimed at improving the structure and definition of regional geological information [1-3], recently brought together through pan-European cooperation [4]. Lithotectonic unit appears to be the most effective concept for encompassing all geological features. A lithotectonic unit is characterized by its composition, structural elements, mutual relations, and/or geological history [5]. Following a geotemporal conceptual approach, lithotectonic units are defined and bounded by relative limits in time and space [6]. Lithotectonic limits are planar features corresponding to geological events which have formed and define these units. Examples of lithotectonic units include orogens, terranes, sedimentary basins, and grabens, while examples of lithotectonic limits include deformation fronts, faults, and unconformities. This approach facilitates the organization and formalization of relationships between units and limits through ontologies. The data model can be linked to established ontologies, such as the ICS Geological Time Scale Ontology [7], and allows future extensions, such as attribution to orogenic cycles [2]. The associated concepts can be linked to 2D and 3D visualizations, thereby adding an important layer of knowledge to geological maps and models. Primary objective of the newly established Lithotectonic Working Group, under the National Commission for Stratigraphy in Belgium, is to create a comprehensive lithotectonic framework, that systematically defines and describes the main geological units and limits of Belgium. This initiative aligns closely with emerging standards currently being developed and implemented at European level [4] and largely based on GeoSciML [8]. [1] Hintersberger et al. 2017, Jb Geol B-A 157:195-207. [2] Németh 2021, Miner Slovaca 2:81-90. [3] Le Bayon et al. 2022: https://doi.org/10.1051/bsgf/2022017. [4] GSEU 2022-2027: https://doi.org/10.3030/101075609. [5] INSPIRE 2015: https://inspire.ec.europa.eu/theme/ge. [6] Piessens et al. 2024: https://doi.org/10.31223/X5RT28. [7] Cox & Richard 2005: https://doi.org/10.1130/GES00022.1. [8] GeoSciML 2016: http://www.opengis.net/doc/geosciml/4.1.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Geoscience, and understanding Earth’s systems, is essential to provide the resources we need while maintaining a habitable environment, contributing towards a more sustainable society. Resources from the subsurface: groundwater, geo-energy and raw materials, represent essential elements for society. Strong and integrated geological knowledge and expertise is essential to acquire data and transform it into reliable and functional information to underpin the continued development and growth of humankind. At the national and regional level, public authorities across Europe and globally have recognized these needs, leading to the establishment of Geological Survey Organizations (GSOs). In response to growing requests for pan-European data, intensified collaboration amongst GSOs, under the umbrella organization EuroGeoSurveys, recently led to the launch of the ERA-NET Cofund Action GeoERA: “Establishing the European Geological Surveys Research Area to deliver a Geological Service for Europe”. GeoERA – a demonstrator project for a Geological Service for Europe (2017-2021) – is a 30M EUR programme supported by 45 national and regional GSOs from 33 countries in Europe. It contributes to the sustainable use of the subsurface by delivering expertise, data and information to policy and decision makers through a single access point, based on the European Geological Data Infrastructure (EGDI). GeoERA and EGDI are both initiatives of EuroGeoSurveys (EGS), an international non-profit organization representing the national GSOs from 36 European countries. Equipped with additional support from the European Commission, the GSOs intend to establish a Geological Service for Europe (GS4E) that builds on the ongoing GeoERA projects and is tailored to suit the dynamic needs of society, policy and decision makers. The mission of a Geological Service for Europe represents a robust and sustainable single access point to pan-European, harmonized and interoperable expertise, geoscientific data and information, through increased collaboration of the Geological Survey Organizations within Europe. This GS4E will provide the European Commission and other stakeholders with open access to relevant and fair subsurface knowledge, represented in pan-European maps and RDI projects/publications, to support decision making and sustainable use of the subsurface. It will address the Sustainable Development Goals related to the Earth system through delivering expertise, data and information to assess our water resources, assess and develop affordable and clean energy, support sustainable economic growth and employment, support innovation in subsurface management, assess risks of subsurface use that can jeopardize safe and resilient cities, minimize and mitigate climate change impacts and support research on sustainable alternatives. The GS4E may also contribute to the so-called adaptation needs, that is, anticipating the adverse effects of climate change and taking appropriate action to prevent or minimize the damage they can cause, or taking advantage of opportunities that may arise. A well planned, early adaptation action will contribute to economic development through reducing imports of energy and mineral resources, increasing resilience and reducing the impact of extreme natural events, securing and enhancing safety in a long-term strategy on use of scarce water resources and improved land-use planning.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2019
