ACTIVITY 5

Application of Geology to:

1. DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

Disasters can’t be avoided. They can only be mitigated and minimize their impacts. Geologists are
the experts that share their knowledge about the hazards. By combining geo-information technology with
an earth science perspective, we can deal with the natural hazards, vulnerability and disaster risk.
The applications of geology in disaster risk reduction are seismology, and volcanology.
Seismology is the study of earthquakes while volcanology is the study of volcanic phenomena.
Using geology, different geohazard services are made. Some of these are the sediment transport
and erosion assessments, debris flow and turbidity flow modelling, landslide hazard assessment and
seepage studies, and last one, is the identification, evaluation, analysis, modelling and mitigation of land
and marine geohazards.
With the help of geology, we can prepare and ready ourselves when a disaster may happen. In
studying the changing Earth, we can be aware of what might happen in the future.

2. CONSTRUCTION OF STRUCTURE

In the construction of structures, rock, soil, and water are the needed materials which are gathered
from earth. Engineers should have common knowledge about geology in order to build a safe and long-
lasting structure. The geology used in civil engineering are the stability of rock and soil on order to avoid
landslides, geological investigation in engineering construction to build tunnels, dams, and bridges, and
lastly, is engineering seismology which is about earthquakes.
Engineering geology is essential in order to have the proper location, planning, design,
construction, operation, and maintenance of engineering structures. It is the application of geological data,
techniques and principles to the study of rock and soil surfacing materials, and ground water.
Engineering Geology and Geohazard Assessment Report (EGGAR) is a requirement by the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for Environmental Compliance Certificate
(ECC) applications for the building of subdivisions, housing, and other lad development and infrastructure
projects. It is a report that is a product of an independent geological mapping.
Since the Philippines is prone to several geologic and natural hazards, EGGAR is important. It is
required in order to mitigate the possible impacts of geologic hazards, and to ensure the stability and safety
of a proposed project site. With this, the location for the construction of the structure will be safe and of
quality that can withstand any disaster.