Geology, as a fundamental science for understanding our planet, faces many challenges today. We spoke about this with Professor Pierluigi Musto, a geologist and author of numerous articles on the subject, who gave us an overview of the most pressing issues in this field and the future of the discipline.
by Roberta Imbimbo
Professor Musto, geology is a science that has always played a fundamental role in understanding our planet. In your opinion, what are the most urgent challenges facing geologists today?
Geology is a multidisciplinary science, embracing different specialist fields such as geophysics, geochemistry, palaeontology and geomorphology. Each must play its part in understanding the complex dynamics of the earth. We know the areas at greatest seismic risk and those that may be affected by volcanic eruptions, and we must carry out in-depth research to prevent and mitigate the related risks, also in relation to landslides and hydrogeological instability. Geologists are involved in the protection of urban heritage and also in the search for and supply of endogenous resources.
One of the biggest challenges we are facing concerns the understanding and management of geological hazards. Phenomena such as landslides, floods and earthquakes are becoming more frequent and intense. Can you tell us about them?
The management of geological risks is very complex: earthquakes at the moment are absolutely unpredictable, so it is necessary to think in terms of risk prevention and mitigation. The figure and professionalism of the geologist are important for the management of the territory also linked to the dangers of landslides, and all the phenomena that can be triggered off by climate change. The widespread use of land, all too often without criteria, creates management and safety problems in relation to extreme events, but increasingly also to ordinary events. Adequate investment is needed to mitigate the risks associated with these important environmental issues.
Could you tell us about some recent innovations that are changing the field of geology?
In recent decades, great strides have been made. Geology studies and investigates an “above” and an “below”. The practitioner carries out field analyses, to which are added soundings and geophysical surveys. The “Neapolitan school” was the protagonist of an enormous innovative period in the understanding of the geological evolution of our country. The professors of the University of Naples “Federico II” in the period when I was a student, were the authors of significant reinterpretations on various research topics. I believe that a congress of the Italian Geological Society held in Sorrento in 1987, where numerous multidisciplinary scientific contributions were presented with heated and in-depth debates, was fundamental. The foundations were laid for further challenges in the knowledge and understanding of complex phenomena. Since then, further steps have been taken, also with the fundamental help of technology. One of the examples I experience as a Phlegrean citizen is the evolution in our knowledge of bradyseism, about which little or nothing was known in the 1970s and of which we now have more knowledge. I believe it is essential to emphasise that in the sciences, new problems often arise with every step forward, and thus new challenges in accordance with progress and the scientific method. In recent decades, even in the field of technical geology, great strides have been made with the progressive refinement of methods for safeguarding the urban heritage and the environment.
Climate change is a central issue of our time. What role can geology play?
In addition to the purely technical aspects I mentioned earlier, it is through geology that we understand how the climate on earth has undergone considerable variations well before the advent of man. The Quaternary era was characterised by cold (glacial) periods alternating with warm (interglacial) ones. The analyses and studies in this regard are fascinating and very complex. Understanding how nature can influence and interact with climate change helps to isolate its causes and improve the “man-environment” relationship.
What is your vision for the future of geology in the near future?
This question deserves special and specific investigation as research is always active and fundamental to progress in every area of geology. Geophysics has many aspects yet to be clarified: a better understanding of the interior of our planet, its dynamics and all related aspects. The same applies to understanding the evolution of palaeoenvironments with the various tectonic and climatic implications, etc. Another field is the research and study of geo-resources: oil fields, reservoirs for water supply, geothermal energy. These are just some of the challenges in the field, and certainly of great interest. We cannot forget the monitoring of landslides, the analysis of the territory in relation to hydrogeological instability in the broadest sense; all aspects that deserve great attention.
How do you see the relationship between journalism and geology? How can these two fields work together to raise public awareness of issues related to our planet? In your opinion, what is the role of geologists in providing accurate information to the media about natural phenomena?
Research Institutions and the Professional Order of Geologists do important and delicate work both in understanding the various phenomena and in preventing related risks. Journalism can play a fundamental role in the correct dissemination of the various topics without seeking sensationalism through perhaps catchy but often misleading headlines. I am a great advocate of scientific communication, the difficulty is often in the language as it must be rigorous but understandable to the population.
When it comes to geological phenomena, such as earthquakes or landslides, what is the most important information the public should receive from the media?
In this regard, the Civil Defence has already been running an “I do not risk” project for some time. This has also been proposed in schools and it would be a good idea to disseminate it periodically. Here is the link:https://iononrischio.protezionecivile.it/it/
What do you think about the increasing attention to climate change and geological risk issues in the media?
In recent years, with the advent of the internet and social media, it is easier to find scientific information, even through the dissemination of scientific publications; too often we run into the big problem that interpretations are given without having a sound knowledge and expertise on the subject. In short, as in football: everyone is a coach, in this sector everyone becomes a seismologist, geologist or climatologist. All this easily creates confusion with repercussions also in the social sphere. Remember that publications, which are validated by reviewers, may happen to provide conflicting data, this is part of the normal discussion in the strictly scientific sphere. Those who popularise science in my opinion have a central role: they must be able to communicate in a neutral capacity in order to provide as broad a view as possible on the various scientific topics. Science does not provide “absolute truths”, but at the same time any information must be supported by official and robust data. The latter must be sourced from official bodies!!!
How do you see the future of geological communication? Is there any aspect of geology that, in your opinion, the media should start covering more frequently and with more attention?
Geological communication can and must follow the various events: 30 years ago, for example, there was no talk of climate change. As a Phlaegrean citizen, during the crisis of 1982-84 there was extensive journalistic coverage of the bradyseism phenomenon; today, information has evolved further with the advent of the internet. The media follow the evolution of the scenarios; the Italian territory has such geological characteristics that the topics to be covered are many, but in general the focus on prevention and risk mitigation, in my opinion, must be extremely important.
