CRETE

102 Georgiou Kourmouli St., 74100, Rethymno

H.S.G.M.E.’s Regional Unit in Crete was established in 1985, headquartered in Rethymno. It followed the operation of branch offices in the capitals of the prefectures (Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos) and work sites across the island, set up for various research projects and activities of the Authority. The Unit’s scientific work has always been widely accepted by the local community. Regional stakeholders in Crete (Communities, Community Associations, Municipalities, Associations of Municipalities, Provinces, Prefectures, Regional Units, and the Region itself) recognized the Unit’s contribution and integrated its results into the island’s economic and social development. In close collaboration with the Central Services, the Regional Unit of Crete covers the full spectrum of H.S.G.M.E.’s activities, summarized below:

Fundamental Geological Research

• Investigation and study of the geological structure of Crete
• Preparation of geological maps at 1:50,000 scale
• Preparation of geological maps at 1:25,000 scale
• Coastal zone and shoreline delineation studies

Water Resources

• Investigations for locating and utilizing groundwater resources
• Studies on aquifer recharge and sustainability
• Special hydrogeological studies for groundwater protection
• Studies on the use of surface waters for reservoir construction and aquifer recharge
• Participation in the National Groundwater Monitoring Network
• Recording and updating water intake points
• Detection and identification of groundwater pollutants

Mineral Resources

• Exploration and assessment of industrial mineral resources (gypsum, diatomite, clays)
• Studies on construction aggregates and designation of quarry zones
• Research on decorative stones (limestones, marbles, sandstones, schist slabs)
• Evaluation of metallic mineral occurrences (galena, iron, manganese, and copper oxides)
• Studies on lignite-bearing areas and assessment of the economic potential and suitability of lignite deposits for different uses

Natural Hazards

• Rapid Response Team for geologically induced disasters
• Studies on the mitigation of natural hazards (landslides, rockfalls, earthquakes)
• Geotechnical studies for the design and foundation of infrastructure (settlements, road networks, dams, reservoirs, public buildings)

Environmental Protection

• Environmental impact assessments
• Studies for the rehabilitation of uncontrolled waste disposal sites
• Studies for the restoration of abandoned quarries
• Stone studies for the conservation and restoration of monuments
• Research on the promotion of geosites and geoparks