Research focuses on such things as the distribution and effects of harmful substances, early diagenesis of organic substances in anaerobic sediments, chlorification reactions and organoelemental speciation, relief formation and its tectonic, climatic and anthropogenic causes, fluvial dynamics and hydrology, hydrogeochemistry, natural disasters and their causes, settlement ecology, tourism and the environment. This knowledge helps in quantifying geodynamic processes and enhancing our understanding of the way life develops. Of central concern here are synthesis and characterisation of oxidic substances, crystal structures at high temperatures, and natural stone, minerals and synthetic substances as building materials. Inquiry here encompasses economic, sociological and purely scientific issues. With its Institutes of Geography, Geology and Palaeontology, Mineralogy, Environmental Geochemistry and the Geochronology Laboratory, the Faculty of Earth Sciences attaches great importance to intensive communication with students.
New curricula reflect the march of scientific and economic progress.
In addition there are resources for remote sensing, computer cartography and other Geographic Information Systems. Use is also made of sociological and behavioural survey techniques. 18 Professors, over 80 academic staff and 35 technicians look after 675 students.