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Geo-resources

Where does Switzerland have resources of raw materials? Where and how can geothermal energy be used in a sustainable manner in order to produce energy? The term “geo-resources” refers to all geological resources that serve as the basis for life in modern-day society: groundwater, mineral resources, energy production and underground space for construction, storage and disposal of materials.

The important geo-resources defined in the Deep City project
The four most important geo-resources as defined in the Deep City project
© Aurèle Parriaux, 2010

It is often the case that cities are densely populated, and this creates  problems relating to quality of life, infrastructure and the environment. This calls for an increased incorporation of the third dimension, especially in an upward direction, but also, and to a lesser extent, in a downward direction. Like all other objects on the earth’s surface, the dimension in an upward direction is regulated through spatial planning. By contrast, however, the underground is rarely included in such planning. It is mostly perceived as an alien, hidden milieu and its benefits are thus barely perceived.

The Deep City project (Parriaux et al., 2010) identifies four principal resources that lie beneath the foundations of towns and cities:   

Spatial resources for the construction of buildings: these include infrastructure for transport and parking, plus commercial space and recreation zones. 

Geothermal energy resources: the sharp rise in the use of geothermal probes conflicts with the protection of groundwater, and restricts the use of space deep below the surface. With the progression of climate change, the use of heat and refrigeration will gain in importance.

Drinking water: some cities are fortunate in having deep-lying and well protected groundwater reserves at their disposal. The advantage of using these is that there is no need to construct hundreds of kilometres of pipelines to provide the city with its supply of drinking water.

Utilisable materials resulting from excavation operations: what to do with earthen materials resulting from urban excavation activities is a matter of increasing concern. Here the tendency is towards recycling.

Underground space

As a consequence of the increasing scarcity of space in the heavily developed lowlands and the correspondingly high land prices, ever more buildings and public infrastructure facilities are now being...

Groundwater

Hydrogeology is the science that deals with groundwater, a vital domestic resource. The comprehensive protection of ground water is crucial, and the Swiss Geological Survey supports the Federal...

Geo-energy

As an independent federal competence centre, the Swiss Geological Survey monitors the national geo-energy portfolio. It supports authorities as well as the private sector with the exploration,...

Mineral raw materials

Mineral raw materials such as gravel, sand, limestone and clay are widely used in the construction industry and are largely mined in Switzerland. However, Switzerland also imports many raw materials,...


Federal Office of Topography swisstopo Seftigenstrasse 264
P.O. Box
3084 Wabern
Tel.
+41 58 469 01 11

E-mail


Relevant authority

Swiss Geological Survey
Tel. +41 58 469 05 68
E-mail

Federal Office of Topography swisstopo

Seftigenstrasse 264
P.O. Box
3084 Wabern

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